2022 Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir 750ml

Overview

The 2022 Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir 750ml is one of Australia's finest single-vineyard Pinot Noirs, produced from the celebrated Applejack Vineyard in Gladysdale, Upper Yarra Valley. Awarded Australia Pinot Noir of the Year 2023 and 98 Points by James Halliday, this exceptional wine showcases the remarkable purity, structure and elegance that have established Giant Steps among Australia's leading Pinot Noir producers.

Named after the Applejack eucalypts surrounding the vineyard, this cool-climate site sits at 320 metres above sea level and is planted to seven Pinot Noir clones. The 2022 vintage beautifully expresses the vineyard's unique terroir, combining fragrant aromatics, vibrant fruit purity and finely detailed structure with outstanding ageing potential.

Vintage Conditions

The 2022 growing season in the Yarra Valley provided excellent conditions for premium Pinot Noir, with the elevated Applejack Vineyard benefiting from a cooler and longer ripening period than the central valley. The extended growing season encouraged slow flavour development, vibrant natural acidity and exceptional aromatic complexity.

The result is a Pinot Noir of remarkable concentration, precision and finesse, reflecting both the outstanding vintage and one of Australia's most acclaimed vineyard sites.

Product Highlights

Tasting Notes

Appearance

Bright ruby red with vibrant crimson hues.

Aroma

Perfumed aromas of crushed rose petals, red and black cherries, satsuma plum and raspberry are complemented by sandalwood, fennel fronds, charcuterie and subtle wet stone minerality.

Palate

Beautifully concentrated yet effortlessly elegant, with pure raspberry and cherry fruit layered over savoury spice, mineral tension and fine acidity. The silky tannins are seamlessly integrated, creating a wine of exceptional harmony and precision.

Finish

Long, refined and persistent, with lingering red berry fruit, gentle savoury complexity, subtle sappiness and a distinctive saline mineral finish.

Winemaking

Hand-harvested fruit was chilled overnight before fermentation in a combination of small oak fermenters and stainless steel open vats. Approximately 20% whole bunches were retained, with the remaining fruit gently destemmed to whole berries and cold soaked for five days to maximise aromatic complexity and texture.

The wine matured for 10 months in French oak barriques (20% new, 80% seasoned), using premium cooperages including Taransaud and Dargaud & Jaeglé. Following maturation, the wine was blended, bottled by gravity, and left unfined and unfiltered to preserve vineyard purity and expression.

Why Buy This Wine

• Australia Pinot Noir of the Year 2023
• Awarded 98 Points by James Halliday
• Produced from the renowned Applejack Vineyard in Gladysdale
• One of Australia's benchmark single-vineyard Pinot Noirs
• Crafted from seven premium Pinot Noir clones
• Minimal intervention winemaking with unfined and unfiltered bottling
• Outstanding balance, elegance and long-term cellaring potential

Food Pairing

The 2022 Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with:

• Duck breast with cherry reduction
• Roast quail or guinea fowl
• Wild mushroom risotto
• Herb-crusted lamb rack
• Soft-ripened cheeses and charcuterie

Serving Temperature: 14–16°C

Cellaring Potential

Already displaying exceptional balance and harmony, the 2022 Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir will continue to evolve gracefully, developing greater savoury complexity while retaining its vibrant fruit purity.

Recommended drinking window: 2024–2032+

Critic Scores & Reviews

"Like a Mahler symphony, all of the elements of this wine are in perfect harmony... Simply irresistible."

— Philip Rich, James Halliday Wine Companion