Giant Steps Sexton Vineyard Pinot Noir 2024

96 POINTS

Philip Rich - Halliday Wine Companion

From the Sexton vineyard in Gruyere planted in the late '90s. 100% destemmed. A deep crimson ruby. Aromas of ripe dark raspberries, blackcurrant pastilles (these were always my favourite) and even a little kirsch. A touch of rose bush. The palate is juicy and fleshy and the wine's ripe, plush tannins make this, along with the Primavera, the richest, meatiest and most immediate of the four single-vineyard pinots in '24. Having said this, you'd be happy if you found some laying around the cellar in eight or so years.

96 POINTS

James Suckling

Pure and refined, with aromas of wild red fruits, summer flowers, citrus peel, raspberry bushes and crushed stones. The palate is firmly framed, with a high level of polish and a textural, mid-weighted mouthfeel, giving notes of dried strawberries. Great depth and tension, with underlying power.

94 POINTS

Campbell Mattinson - The Wine Front

The Sexton vineyard was planted in 1997. It’s a north-facing, exposed site, at 200 metres above sea level. Red fruit, aspects of saucy oak, figs and graphite, smoke. Chester described this wine as “grenache adjacent” and that’s as apt a call as you’ll hear. It has that cloves-tucked-into-raspberry-into-smoke-into-iron persona. It feels compact, it tastes delicious, and it has good weight and length, the latter featuring a keen smoked peppercorn aspect. Love the feel and the profile of this.

92 POINTS

Erin Larkin - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2024 Sexton Vineyard Pinot Noir is incredibly perfumed, with apples and rose petals, cherry and blood plum. In the mouth, the tannins are quite grippy and firm—still eminently fine but with rigidity. This is quite different from the other Pinot Noirs in this vintage release, more structural and not as complex. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.