When John Coltrane split with Miles Davis in the late 50s, he wasted little time releasing his visionary Giant Steps album. Winemaker (and equally successful brewmaster) Phil Sexton was inspired by the album and Coltrane’s foresight. When Sexton sold his Devil’s Lair vineyard in Margaret River to relocate and replant in the Yarra Valley, he named his wine in Coltrane’s honor. Sexton chose Yarra Valley because of his admiration for the long aging and fine boned wines produced by the new generation of wine growers reestablishing this historic wine region. Giant Steps has forged a reputation for delivering some of Australia’s most consistent, over-performing, varietal wines reflected by its ongoing, praise-worthy global acclaim including being a six-time Wine & Spirits Top 100 Wineries of the Year, 2013-2018. Giant Steps focuses primarily on the distinctive expression of single vineyard sites in the Yarra Valley. Grapes are drawn from estate and leased vineyards as well as fruit from long-term grower contracts, supported by strong relationships and meticulous supervision throughout the year.
Yarra Valley Chardonnay
Hand-picked, sorted and whole bunch pressed with minimal sulfur. Barrel fermented and aged on lees for 12 months. Minimal malolactic fermentation. Gravity racked and gently filtered prior to bottling. White peach and citrus with cashew notes. Complex, textured palate, with mineral lemon zest.
Yarra Valley Pinot Noir
Yarra Valley Pinot Noir: Hand picked, sorted and crushed to small open vessels. Cold soaked then hand plunged through fermentation. Extended maceration prior to 12 months barrel aging. Minimal handling, no pumps, sulfur or filtration. Floral, earthy spice, cherries. Textural, medium weight, ripe fruit balanced over dusty tannins.
