The 2016 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is consistent with previous bottles. It soars from the glass with those (to use a word I used last time) disarming array of blackberry, iris and fig aromas, but displaying a little more blue fruit than I recall. The palate is very well balanced with a velvety texture, pure with just a hint of black pepper. Interestingly, the 65% whole bunches are barely noticeable, just a guiding hand that shapes the finish. Sapid yet tender, this is an outstanding Pessac-Léognan. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the Icons of Bordeaux dinner at Legacy Records in New York. (Neal Martin, Vinous, May 2024)
— 6 months ago
Nice to drink, medium bodied — 3 months ago
Whole clusters used instead of de stemming. Lemony tartness upfront then a mineral finish.- almost a hint of tannins. But not tannins. A different taste for a Riesling — 4 months ago
Brief notes. Another excellent example of Pinot Noir from the Applejack vineyard. Red fruited with strawberry and cherry. Definitely more fruit driven than the Wombat Creek which has more whole bunch in the ferment. The differences are more in wine making technique than in terroir I feel. Sexton possibly a bit of each. Had my last bottle on 6th September 2024. Applejack is definitely my favourite Giant Steps cuvee for Pinot Noir. The perfect balance of fruit, Sous Bois, acid and tannin. The 2023 just awarded Halliday’s Pinot Noir of the year for 2024. — 7 months ago
Stunning pinot and testament to how Tasmania has benefitted from climate change and now taken its place at the top of Australian pinot, along with Yarra, Geelong, and Mornington. The nose is all dusty cherry and deep savoury spice. The palate is elegant, but the impact and concentration of dark cherry fruit is what makes this special. A hint of herbal/vegetal whole bunch. Then the savoury sandalwood kicks in and does not give up. One of the longest finishes i can remember. Cracking. — 3 months ago
Great every day wine…dry and deep — 7 months ago
Papaya, peach, rose, wet stones
26 days of skin contact - light golden color, almost like an oaky white
I love the slight funk without being too wild — 8 months ago
Still great, everything you want in a Pinot Noir rose. — 2 years ago
Neil Valenzuela
Medium ruby color. Aromas of black cherry, earthy, mushrooms and spices. Great vintage still kicking full of flavor. — 19 days ago