   In an earlier communication, we promised a change in the way we worked. We assured a far greater offering, regular specials whilst keeping stocks to manageable levels. Outside of our exclusive agencies, we have delivered, the 99-point Yangarra Grenache, the 100-point Coleraine, 99-point Bullnose Syrah, 97-point Awatea, 98-point Tapanappa, Tiers Vineyard Chardonnay 2019, 2022 Our Fathers Just Like Heaven Roussanne Grenache Blanc (sold-out), 99-point 2018 Cherubino Budworth Cabernet Sauvignon (sold-out) and much more… It’s been a fabulous eight weeks. Now we present great Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from one of Yarra Valley’s finest, Giant Steps who produce a stunning collection of single-vineyard wines that express the typicity of each site. Fans of Riesling will relish in the 98-point, 2015 which is available for £20.95 per bottle, delivered. Quite extraordinary value from Peter Lehmann. Available for delivery from Monday 23rd OctoberThe 2021 vintage was terrific, both in quality and volume. A wet spring was followed by a healthy amount of sunshine and some welcome rain in January, leading to large green healthy canopies. The overall temperature during the growing season was lower than average which led to a long slow ripening period, producing great concentration of flavours and natural acidity. The Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are sourced and hand-picked from estate-owned Sexton, Tarraford, Applejack and Wombat Creek vineyards. The Chardonnay was whole-bunch pressed and fermented in 500 litre French oak puncheons. The 2021 Yarra Valley Chardonnay did not undergo malolactic fermentation and was bottled after minimal fining and filtration. The 2021 Yarra Valley Pinot Noir was vinified with 60% whole berries and 40% whole-bunches in open-top 4000 litre oak vats and stainless-steel fermenters. The wine was aged in a mixture of new and old French oak puncheons. SEXTON VINEYARDThe 30-hectare Sexton Vineyard is managed by founder Phil Sexton and lies at the heart of the Yarra Valley. This site is located on the steep north-facing slopes of the Warramate Ranges at 120-130 metres above sea level. Plantedon the higher slopes, the topsoil is thin and the root system shallow. Gravelly loams sit above a tough, rocky, clay base.The poor soils result in minuscule yields but produce intensely concentrated wines. The Chardonnay was whole-bunch pressed and fermented in French oak puncheons, of which 20% was new.  Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay 202197 Points - Halliday Wine Companion “Made mainly from WA's Gingin clone and planted in Gruyere on the same grey clay as Applejack. Whole bunches pressed into French puncheons with 20% new oak. Smells tightly wound and concentrated with aromas of ripe peach and nectarine, together with just a hint of lanolin and apple custard. Equally powerful and punchy on the palate. This has more of everything, including sprightly acid and some phenolic grip on the very long, stone-fruit pithy finish. Today, this is my pick of the 4 single-vineyard 2021 chardonnays, but who knows what will come out on top in 5 or even 10 years from now!” £35.95 per bottle Also available under bond  APPLEJACK VINEYARDNamed after the Applejack eucalyptus that surrounds the vineyard, Phil Sexton acquired the site in 2013. The vineyard was planted in 1997 by the highly respected viticulturalist Ray Guerin. Today, the vineyard is managed by his son Mark. Situated in the Upper Yarra Valley, the Applejack vineyard sits at 300 metres above sea level, resulting in cooler growing conditions. The 12-hectare vineyard sits on a dramatic, east facing slope of grey-brown clay loams. The Chardonnay was whole-bunch pressed and fermented in French oak puncheons. The Pinot Noir was fermented with whole bunch and destemmed berries in small oak and stainless-steel fermenters. The wine was aged in a mixture of new and used French oak barriques.  Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir 202198 Points – Halliday Wine Companion “Named after the Applejack eucalypts that surround the vineyard, which was planted at Gladysdale in 1997. Seven clones including 114, 115, MV6, D2V5, D5V15, Pommard and Abel! I've long considered the Applejack vineyard to be one of the greatest sites for pinot in Australia and I'm not sure I've seen a better version than the 2021. A deep, bright, crimson purple. Maraschino cherry into plum, there's an exotic and riotous amalgam of Asian five-spice and a gentle savoury, umami character. What elevates this vintage is the concentration, along with Applejack's trademark perfume and spice. Just so vibrant and fresh on the palate, the tannins are both silky and plentiful. You will have no problems opening and enjoying this now, but the wine's track record suggests you'll thank me if you still have some to drink 7–10 years from now, if not longer.” £35.95 per bottle PRIMAVERA VINEYARDThe Primavera Vineyard was planted at Woori Yallock in 2001 by Lou Primavera. This 12-hectare vineyard is planted on red-clay loam soils, similar to those of the Wombat Creek Vineyard. The soil composition is critical in shaping the complex structure and pronounced perfume of this wine. Giant Steps has a long standing relationship with the Primavera family and has sourced fruit from their vineyard for years. This Pinot Noir was fermented with quasi equal parts of whole bunches and destemmed berries.  Primavera Vineyard Pinot Noir 202197 points - Halliday Wine Companion “From the Primavera vineyard at Woori Yallock, planted in 2001 on the same red soil as Wombat Creek. Both destemmed (55%) and whole-bunch components. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. A very bright crimson purple. So pure and perfumed with briary cherries, ripe redcurrants and freshly cut roses. Poised, juicy and energetic, the wine has so much tang and crunch, you barely notice that this is also structured finishing with long, gently puckering tannins. A wine with immediate appeal, but also one that will reward at least another 7-10 years in the cellar.” £37.50 per bottle Also available under bond    Peter Lehmann Masters Wigan Riesling 201598 Points - Nick Stock, Jamessuckling.com “This has really transformed into a complex, bottle-matured Riesling with lemon-rind, lemon-butter and toasty aromas. The palate is very smoothly arranged, and the wine has taken on a glossy textural quality over the five years in bottle. The length and intensity here is so impressive. This is breathtakingly pure, yet complex and drinkable.” £20.95 per bottle Also available under bond Sourced from Willam Hurn’s ‘Old House’ Vineyard, planted in 2002. The vineyard has all the hallmarks of a classic Eden Valley Riesling site – high altitude, soils composed of schist and shale and protected by afternoon sun due to it being nestled at the base of Menglers Hill. The grapes were picked early and fermented cold in stainless steel for two weeks before clarification. Bottling took place immediately, then the wine was cellared at the winery for five years prior to release. The Masters wines are named after a person whom, or event that, has played an intrinsic role in the Peter Lehmann story. Crafted from the classic Barossa varietals, the wines are released with 5 years of bottle age and will continue to age gracefully for many years. Andrew Wigan was mentored by Peter Lehmann and was at his side when the winery was founded in 1979. He was Chief Winemaker from 1980 - 2014. Peter Lehmann’s reputation for Barossa Shiraz was soon complemented by Andrew’s passion for white wines. His refinement of the whites was revolutionary and his contribution to the Peter Lehmann story was recognised in 2003 with the re-naming of the revered ‘Reserve’ Riesling as ‘Wigan’ Riesling. |
