Pinot Noir Coal River Valley, Giant Steps 2023

A significantly different beast that stands a good distance apart from its Giant Steps Yarra Valley Pinot Noir siblings. Sourced from the Nocton Vineyard in Tasmania's Coal River Valley, part of Giant Steps’ single-vineyard releases since 2017. There is richness and power from the mix of Pinot clones MV6, D5V12 and G8V3, which are treated differently – some whole bunches fermented in oak, others destemmed and cold-soaked in a mix of oak and steel fermenters. The resulting wine has a sensuous perfume with heavy black cherry and blueberry notes, while the palate is kept lean by stern acidity. It’s unyielding in its youth, with a tightly wound finish exaggerated by hard, gritty tannins that should relax after at least two more years.

This is quite powerful with a real density of sweet raspberry and cherry fruit, with a touch of pepper, and some spicy oak in the mix too. Lovely concentrated, well-defined fruit with a bit of grip on the finish. Give this time to settle down, and I think it will be lovely.