98 Points – James Halliday

Giant Steps is one of the Yarra Valley's most celebrated producers, and the Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir is their most extraordinary wine. Named after the Applejack eucalypts that surround the vineyard — planted at Gladysdale in 1997 — this is a single-vineyard Pinot of breathtaking complexity and precision. James Halliday awarded it 98 points and called it “simply irresistible.” It is hard to argue.

My Wine Man

This is for the serious Pinot lover who wants the very best Australia has to offer. The Applejack is made from seven clones — 114, 115, MV6, D2V5, D5V15, Pommard and Abel — with 15% whole bunches and 20–25% new French barriques. The result is a wine of extraordinary depth and harmony. If you want to understand what makes the Yarra Valley one of Australia's greatest Pinot regions, this is the bottle.

Tasting Notes

Like a Mahler symphony — all of the elements in perfect harmony. Aromas of crushed rose petals, red and black cherries, satsuma plums and subtle hints of sandalwood and fennel fronds, with a little charcuterie and a discreet touch of wet stone. On the palate, the most concentrated, structured and saline Applejack in memory, yet you barely notice the tannins due to the core of pure raspberry and cherry fruit. A gentle sappiness on the long, lingering finish. Simply irresistible.

Style & Drinking Window

Medium to full-bodied with silky, precise tannins and an extraordinarily long finish. Drinking beautifully now and will reward 8–12 years in the cellar. Serve lightly chilled at 14–16°C. A wine for the most special of occasions — or simply for a Tuesday when you want to remember why you love wine.

Why This Is a Smart Buy

98 points from James Halliday. Seven clones. A single vineyard planted in 1997. The Applejack is one of the most critically acclaimed Pinot Noirs ever made in Australia — and at HK$599, it is a serious collector's bottle that is also drinking magnificently right now.

Looking for a different style?

For a more accessible entry into the Giant Steps range, the 2024 Giant Steps Yarra Valley Pinot Noir is the place to start. For a peer-level single-vineyard Australian Pinot, the 2024 Tolpuddle Vineyard Pinot Noir (97pts Halliday) is exceptional. For another extraordinary Tasmanian Pinot at a similar price, the 2023 Tolpuddle Vineyard Pinot Noir (96pts Halliday) is a fascinating comparison.

Life's too short for bad wine.