Smells and looks exactly like a good Langhe. Brick red with aromas of dried cherry, menthol, mint and other herbs. Medium weight palate - M plus tannins; M plus acid - typical again. As good as anything I’ve had as a Rosso from Piedmont. Myself and fellow judges made this the Grand Champion of the Toowoomba Wine Show in 2019. Also Trophy, best other variety red, 2018 Adelaide Hills Wine Show. Have written previously about Steve Pannell’s expertise with alternative varieties. — 2 years ago
See previous notes on March 2020 and October 2020. This tasting was even better than those two tastings. At 10 years it is peaking. Sweet and savoury ripe plum and black cherry. So mellow, earthy and delicious. A brilliant wine from a brilliant winemaker. He certainly is the master of alternative varieties in this country - Steve Pannell. A lot like cool climate Shiraz and many would pick it as that in a blind tasting. A great match with Chicken Legs. — 10 months ago
After the recent straight entry level Giant Steps Pinot from 2017 which was fruit driven and quite delicious this is one of their individual paddock wines - Applejack which is made in a different style with whole bunch ferment to the fore. Notes of anise and white pepper to the red fruited nose and palate. Hint of clove. Oak is resolved to my palate. Impressive and showing Steve Flamsteed’s ability as a winemaker. Postscript: Jackson Family Wines from the USA has acquired Giant Steps as of a year ago I believe. I would expect Giant Steps to be more readily available in the US now. — 3 years ago
A week ago I posted a tasting note on the 2018 Giant Steps Nocton Vineyard Pinot Noir that had won 3 Trophies at the 2019 Royal Queensland Wine Show. This Giant Steps Sexton Vineyard Pinot repeated the 3 Trophy win at this year’s Royal Queensland Wine Show a month ago. Pale Ruby in colour - lovely aromatics - red fruited, rose petals. Wonderful palate intensity. Barely medium bodied. I wonder how this will cellar? It is so good now you wonder how much better it can get. I have been a long time admirer of Giant Steps and winemaker Steve Flamsteed who I knew from Toowoomba but what is disappointing is how the price has doubled under the new ownership. I used to pay $45 to $50 for the individual Cuvées and now a little over $90! — 9 months ago
2019. Zesty herbs and minerality, acidity. Sav blanc is Bordeaux but Steve is a Rhone syrah man. Nevertheless he nailed it. — 2 years ago
Despite being stored in worrisome conditions with the recent summer heat, 2013 proved to be a trooper. Some sweet aromas of age and oxidation were outshined by big ripe red and black fruit. Hints of pepper and iron. Big body and silky to velvet texture. Took a meal of grilled lamb and green beans with mushrooms to the next level. Wish I had another. Thanks Steve and team! — 4 years ago
Steve does it again...this wine is fucking amazing. — 4 years ago
Ericsson
Nice age on this red Bordeaux blend done in Steve Metthiasson’s signature old world bright acid style. Just beginning to show notes of pomegranate and plum. Cheers. — 7 months ago