Giant Steps Sexton Vineyard Pinot Noir 2020

Winemaking and Drinking

The Origins and Acclaimed Journey of Giant Steps Sexton Vineyard Pinot Noir

Nestled in the heart of Victoria’s Yarra Valley, the Sexton Vineyard is one of Giant Steps’ crown jewels, a site that has not only defined the winery’s philosophy but also delivered some of Australia’s most critically acclaimed Pinot Noir. Planted in the late 1990s by Phil Sexton, the founder of Giant Steps, this vineyard sits on the northern slopes of the Warramate Ranges, just outside Gruyere. Its elevation and rich, gravelly clay-loam soils provide the ideal terroir for cool-climate varietals, particularly Pinot Noir.

Winemaking

The winemaking approach at Giant Steps is rooted in minimal intervention, allowing the vineyard’s expression to shine through. The Sexton Vineyard Pinot Noir is typically composed of hand harvested grapes, fermented with indigenous yeasts, and matured in French oak only a small percentage of which is new to avoid overpowering the wine’s delicacy. The winemakers embrace whole bunch fermentation depending on vintage conditions, which adds structure and aromatic lift.

Tasting

The result is a Pinot Noir that encapsulates the tension and elegance of the Yarra Valley: bright red cherry and raspberry aromas, intertwined with subtle spice, forest floor, and a mineral driven finish. It balances vibrancy with texture, showing refinement and aging potential.

The 2020 Sexton Vineyard Pinot Noir received widespread critical acclaim, earning 96 points from James Halliday’s Wine Companion and a spot in the Top 100 Wines of the Year. It also garnered praise at international wine shows for its structure, finesse, and cellaring potential, solidifying Giant Steps’ reputation as a benchmark producer of single-vineyard Pinot Noir in Australia. This vintage not only celebrates a remarkable terroir but also showcases winemaker Melanie Chester’s deft hand in crafting wines of integrity and precision.

This Pinot Noir isn’t just a reflection of terroir; it’s a showcase of how thoughtful viticulture and restrained winemaking can elevate a site to international renown.