Steve Rasmussen

Giant Steps

Primavera Vineyard Pinot Noir 2015

See 4 previous notes on Delectable for the 2015 Primavera. This is my last bottle. The whole bunch stalky elements have toned down in the last few years. More balanced with the red fruits. Perhaps that was Steve Flamsteed’s plan and it needed to be cellared for at least 9 years.? — 3 months ago

Ira, Aaron and 21 others liked this

S.C. Pannell

McLaren Vale Tempranillo Touriga 2013

See previous notes on March 2020 and October 2020. This tasting was even better than those two tastings. At 10 years it is peaking. Sweet and savoury ripe plum and black cherry. So mellow, earthy and delicious. A brilliant wine from a brilliant winemaker. He certainly is the master of alternative varieties in this country - Steve Pannell. A lot like cool climate Shiraz and many would pick it as that in a blind tasting. A great match with Chicken Legs. — a year ago

Scott@Mister, Ira and 19 others liked this

S.C. Pannell

Adelaide Hills Nebbiolo 2016

Smells and looks exactly like a good Langhe. Brick red with aromas of dried cherry, menthol, mint and other herbs. Medium weight palate - M plus tannins; M plus acid - typical again. As good as anything I’ve had as a Rosso from Piedmont. Myself and fellow judges made this the Grand Champion of the Toowoomba Wine Show in 2019. Also Trophy, best other variety red, 2018 Adelaide Hills Wine Show. Have written previously about Steve Pannell’s expertise with alternative varieties. — 3 years ago

Severn, John and 14 others liked this
Jamie Lauder

Jamie Lauder

Mr. McDonald,
This is why I follow you.
Your insight to wine and tasting notes are second to none.
Thank You.
Bob McDonald

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You are too kind Jamie. We both love wine and like writing about it. Here’s to many good bottles in the future. 👍🍷🍾

The Four Graces

Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2022

Steve & Paula Black pursued a dream in 2003 and purchased a 110-acre vineyard located in the Red Hills of Dundee creating The Four Graces, named after their four daughters. Medium Ruby with surprisingly complex aromas of red fruits, herb and spice. On the palate cherry and raspberry flavors with tea and espresso notes adding a bit of pepper spice. Well balanced acidity with fine tannins, medium(+) length, ending with earthy notes. Nice value! — 6 months ago

Tom and Paul liked this

Orin Swift

Papillon Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2021

Dining with Steve Infante eating rattlesnake, rabbit, elk, pork, bison… grana padano… — a year ago

Sebastian, Vanessa and 8 others liked this

Giant Steps

Sexton Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017

Fresh red fruits. Medium minus body. A good balance between the red cherries and the stalkiness from whole bunch influence. Soft supple yet persistent tannins. Very Yarra Valley, very Giant Steps - now owned by Jackson Family Wines of California, but this vintage would have been made by Steve Flamsteed who established the reputation of Giant Steps. An excellent wine with a big future. First of 6. — 2 years ago

Tom, Severn and 20 others liked this

Kent Rasmussen Winery

Carneros Pinot Noir 2006

Nothing beats a vintage KR Carneros PN. — 7 months ago

Bonnie Hodur
with Bonnie

Kent Rasmussen Winery

Esoterica Pinot Noir 2016

Dark blood red, dry and smooth as velvet with a pleasant acidic taste. A great fruit presence of black plum and blackberries. The finish is long….an intriguing peppery touch with a very slight hint of tarty tannins.
I am very pleased to be able to share this excellent and delicious wine with my family.
— 9 months ago

MacLaren Wine Company

Sauvignon Blanc 2017

2019. Zesty herbs and minerality, acidity. Sav blanc is Bordeaux but Steve is a Rhone syrah man. Nevertheless he nailed it. — 2 years ago

Giant Steps

Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir 2015

After the recent straight entry level Giant Steps Pinot from 2017 which was fruit driven and quite delicious this is one of their individual paddock wines - Applejack which is made in a different style with whole bunch ferment to the fore. Notes of anise and white pepper to the red fruited nose and palate. Hint of clove. Oak is resolved to my palate. Impressive and showing Steve Flamsteed’s ability as a winemaker. Postscript: Jackson Family Wines from the USA has acquired Giant Steps as of a year ago I believe. I would expect Giant Steps to be more readily available in the US now. — 3 years ago

Paul, Douglas and 17 others liked this
Ron R

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Good to know, @Bob McDonald. I’ll keep an eye 👁 out for their portfolio.