{"product_id":"giant-steps-applejack-vineyard-pinot-noir-2025","title":"Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir 2025","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOne of the Upper Yarra’s benchmark Pinot Noir sites delivers remarkable perfume, depth and finely controlled power.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGiant Steps Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir 2025 comes from the elevated Applejack Vineyard at Gladysdale in the Upper Yarra Valley, a site planted by respected viticulturist Ray Guerin in 1997. Its east-facing slopes sit over grey-brown clay loam with an underlying basalt-derived volcanic base, while the higher elevation gives the vineyard a cooler, longer growing season than much of the central Yarra Valley. These conditions are particularly well suited to Pinot Noir, encouraging fragrance, freshness and the spicy, firm structure for which Applejack has become known. The vineyard also contains significant clonal diversity, contributing additional aromatic and structural complexity. For the 2025 release, Philip Rich records 35% whole bunches, adding another layer of perfume and savoury detail to the wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2025 is deeply perfumed, opening with wild strawberry, black raspberry and red cherry alongside peony, bergamot and Chinese five-spice. Floral notes mingle with tea-like, twiggy and earthy nuances, giving the aromatic profile considerable complexity without masking the purity of the fruit. The medium-bodied palate combines concentrated forest berries and red cherry with finely woven tannins and bright freshness. Structure is a defining feature, with the tannins providing an impressive frame while allowing the fruit to remain vivid and expressive. The finish is exceptionally persistent, carrying red fruit, florals, spice and savoury detail through a long, composed conclusion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOSE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e– Fragrant, floral and spicy\u003cbr\u003eWild strawberry, black raspberry and red cherry with peony, bergamot, Chinese five-spice, dried flowers and subtle earthy, tea-like nuances.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePALATE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e– Concentrated, structured and finely detailed\u003cbr\u003eForest berries and pure red cherry are framed by firm, beautifully integrated tannins, with floral, herbal and savoury complexity adding depth to the medium-bodied palate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFINISH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e– Long, persistent and poised\u003cbr\u003eRed fruit, fine spice, florals and savoury tones linger over tightly woven tannins, leaving an energetic and impressively sustained finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviews \u0026amp; Accolades\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e“From the Applejack vineyard, planted on grey clay soils at 300m in Gladysdale in '97 by Ray Guerin. 35% whole bunches. A deep, bright plummy red. The perfume when you put your nose in the glass is off the chain! Aromas of wild strawberry, black raspberry, peony, bergamot and Chinese five-spice. Multi-faceted and layered on the medium-bodied palate, with the tannins perfectly interwoven with the fruit. It's incredibly long and will reward cellaring over the next decade or more. Not sure I've tasted a better Applejack Pinot, which is saying something.”\u003c\/em\u003e — Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion, 98+ Points\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Stunning pinot noir. Exceptionally fragrant, dramatically well structured and then just so impressively persistent. It tastes of forest berries and pure red cherry, crushed dry and fresh flowers, an assortment of teas and twiggy herb notes, though it’s that push of fruit that really beguiles. This is top tier gear, no doubting it. The frame of tannin, in a balanced and appropriate way, is next level; it just has that extra push. Drink: 2027 - 2034+.\"\u003c\/em\u003e — Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front, 96 Points\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFiner Details:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBrand - Giant Steps\u003cbr\u003eStyle - Red Wine\u003cbr\u003eVarietal - Pinot Noir\u003cbr\u003eCountry - Australia\u003cbr\u003eState - Victoria\u003cbr\u003eRegion - Yarra Valley\u003cbr\u003eVintage - 2025\u003cbr\u003eABV - 13.5%\u003cbr\u003eSize - 750ml\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Giant Steps","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44418589753431,"sku":"GS-APJ-PN-25","price":99.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0043\/9258\/3217\/files\/9ef498df-dc00-4f8c-8b8b-45f354043eba.webp?v=1791331021","url":"https:\/\/kentstreetcellars.com.au\/products\/giant-steps-applejack-vineyard-pinot-noir-2025","provider":"Kent Street Cellars","version":"1.0","type":"link"}