2023 Yarra Valley Pinot Noir, Giant Steps Yarra Valley

• Style: Cool-climate Pinot Noir, perfumed and mineral-driven
• Taste: Cherry and truffle with silky structure, bright acidity
• Food: Roast chicken, beef, aged goat cheese, charcuterie
• Occasion: Sunday lunch, date night, evening drinking
• Serve: 13.5% ABV, chill lightly, drink young for freshness

In the Glass — Tasting Notes

Perfumed cherry lifted by mineral grip meets earthy truffle notes that add savoury depth without weight. The palate shows enough structure to carry through a meal, yet the bright acidity and 13.5% alcohol keep it feeling fresh and alive rather than heavy. This is a wine that rewards time in the glass—restraint in the winery means you taste the fruit, the site, the vintage.

The Winery — Giant Steps

Founded by Phil Sexton in 1997, Giant Steps built its name on single-site precision across the Yarra Valley's Upper Ranges. When Mel Chester took over as Head of Winemaking and Viticulture in 2021, the winery entered a new chapter, earning 'Winery of the Year' in the 2025 Halliday Wine Companion. The 2023 vintage challenged the region—a waterlogged growing season and delayed harvest—yet the fruit that survived showed vibrancy and clarity. This Pinot Noir is the result of meticulous hand-sorting, split fermentations with restraint, and eight months in mostly older French oak (just 10% new), allowing the wine itself to shine.

At Your Table — Food Pairing & Serving

Serve this wine slightly chilled alongside roasted chicken, braised beef, aged goat cheese, or cured meats and charcuterie. It's equally rewarding on its own as the evening deepens. The combination of structure and acidity makes it a natural fit for Sunday lunch gatherings or intimate date nights. Vegetarian and vegan-friendly, it stands among the finest examples we've sourced from Australia in this price range. Explore our broader Yarra Valley selection to see how producers across the region are reshaping modern cool-climate red wine.