Bob McDonald

9.4

The colour is becoming more tawny since my last tasting in 2023. Lovely aromatics of red fruits and Sous Bois. Manages to combine the characteristics of both Tasmania’s Coal River Valley Pinot Noir and Steve Flamsteed’s excellent winemaking (ex Giant Steps Yarra Valley). I have previous Delectable notes on this wine. Sweet red cherry. Fleshy and supple. This wine scooped the pool at the 2019 Royal Queensland Wine Awards winning Best Pinot Noir of Show; Best Red Table Wine; Best Single Vineyard Red and Grand Champion Wine of Show. Since the acquisition of Giant Steps by the Jackson Family I’m not sure that the Nocton Vineyard is still made? Postscript: Research on line indicates that no vintage of Nocton was made after this one in 2018. — 6 days ago

Jakub Kalinowski

9.1

A very nice, cool climate, reductive Chardonnay
Toasted sesame & cool mint on the nose. Beautiful mouthfeel, balanced, elegant with juicy acidity. The yellow stone fruit restrained but of high purity. Nice depth here.
This is so drinkable and quite lovely while showing some hints of seriousness. — 6 months ago

Sonia Ross

9.5

February 2025 dinner, paired with pan-seared salmon. 2020 vintage. — 8 months ago

Lyn Farmer

9.2

This wine has a beautiful balance of stone and tropical fruit with crisp but not overbearing acidity. Acacia, Lemon, green apple, white peach and thyme happily nestle with vanilla, clove and a hint of hazelnut that gives a clue to lively future development. Medium body, and a long finish that leaves the palate refreshed and longing for another sip. — 4 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

My last bottle in the cellar but first Delectable note for this vintage. A good balance of quality ripe grapes with the savoury peppery tannins from use of whole bunch in the ferment. — 6 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

This wine was lost in my cellar for a couple of years until I found it a few days ago. As a 2016 I probably would have drunk this a year or two ago. Now at 9 years of age it is a wonderful Chardonnay with more complexity and intensity. More on the citric than stone fruit side. A good example of mature Yarra Valley Chardonnay. — 8 months ago

Marcus Chacos

9.5

Wow, an elegant and delightful taste. Good enough to drink on its own. — 5 months ago

Marcus Chacos

9.5

Delightful wine, at $120, the Terraford is very close — 5 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

A wonderful Australian Chardonnay - see previous notes here. Applejack is usually my favourite Giant Steps Vineyard for Pinot Noir but with Chardonnay there are a couple of contenders - like Sexton Vineyard and this one. Great balance of stone fruit and absorbed toasty oak. Wine shows adroit winemaking skills - somewhat “worked “ and showing creamy Lees character. Have the last one in 2027 when 10 years old. Had my last bottle on 25th September 2025. Even better than before. 95 points. Vanillin oak notes to begin with before it blew off. Rich Stonefruit notes with a nice acid cut. — 7 months ago

setver

9.1

Top vino, pio u Marble — 9 months ago