Giant Steps

LDR Yarra Valley Pinot Noir Syrah

8.933 ratings
9.111 pro ratings
Yarra Valley, Port Phillip, Victoria, Australia
Pinot Noir, Syrah
Top Notes For
Bob McDonald

No formal notes. See previous notes for other vintages. Pretty consistent from year to year. Just designed to be smashable. The red fruits, strawberry and raspberry from the Pinot combined with the pepper, spice and herbs from the Syrah. Can’t see that further cellaring will improve it in any way.

No formal notes. See previous notes for other vintages. Pretty consistent from year to year. Just designed to be smashable. The red fruits, strawberry and raspberry from the Pinot combined with the pepper, spice and herbs from the Syrah. Can’t see that further cellaring will improve it in any way.

May 14th, 2022
Bob McDonald

Colour of light Ruby with a pinkish tinge. Our first wine from the 2021 vintage which was apparently outstanding in the Yarra Valley. Confectionery fudge type aromas, showing its youth. On the palate a certain sappiness. 65% Pinot Noir, 35% Syrah. The Syrah was fermented using 100% whole bunch Carbonic Maceration with 3 months maturation in old French Oak barrels. Young, fresh and full of vitality. LDR stands for Light Dry Red. Had another bottle 63 weeks later on 12th December 2022 with consistent notes - made to be drunk young and downright delicious.

Colour of light Ruby with a pinkish tinge. Our first wine from the 2021 vintage which was apparently outstanding in the Yarra Valley. Confectionery fudge type aromas, showing its youth. On the palate a certain sappiness. 65% Pinot Noir, 35% Syrah. The Syrah was fermented using 100% whole bunch Carbonic Maceration with 3 months maturation in old French Oak barrels. Young, fresh and full of vitality. LDR stands for Light Dry Red. Had another bottle 63 weeks later on 12th December 2022 with consistent notes - made to be drunk young and downright delicious.

Sep 26th, 2021
Bob McDonald

Mid Ruby in colour with a youthful purple tinge. Aromatic red fruits with some stalky peppery notes. On the palate - one word YUM. This is all about primary fruit flavours and freshness and is totally smashable. Barb loved it. This would be a huge hit in Bistros in the capital cities over summer. An unusual blend of Pinot Noir and Syrah pioneered by the legendary Maurice O’Shea in the Hunter Valley back in the 40’s and 50’s. Now being adopted by Giant Steps and other progressive wineries like Yarra Yering. A thoroughly delicious wine. So fresh it’s impertinent!! The 2019 I believe has just been released. Tasted the last bottle 111 weeks later on 13th January 2022 with consistent notes. Has become an annual purchase for me. I find the drinking window of HH through to 2030 to be amazing. I must find the willpower to leave one for several years to note the changes. It is difficult to believe it would be any more delicious than it is now.

Mid Ruby in colour with a youthful purple tinge. Aromatic red fruits with some stalky peppery notes. On the palate - one word YUM. This is all about primary fruit flavours and freshness and is totally smashable. Barb loved it. This would be a huge hit in Bistros in the capital cities over summer. An unusual blend of Pinot Noir and Syrah pioneered by the legendary Maurice O’Shea in the Hunter Valley back in the 40’s and 50’s. Now being adopted by Giant Steps and other progressive wineries like Yarra Yering. A thoroughly delicious wine. So fresh it’s impertinent!! The 2019 I believe has just been released. Tasted the last bottle 111 weeks later on 13th January 2022 with consistent notes. Has become an annual purchase for me. I find the drinking window of HH through to 2030 to be amazing. I must find the willpower to leave one for several years to note the changes. It is difficult to believe it would be any more delicious than it is now.

Nov 25th, 2019
Scott Rowe

This is a fun, drink now vino.
Simple and uncomplicated not trying to be anything more than smashable.
When you’re in the mood for drink now, no fuss this LDR will hit the spot.

This is a fun, drink now vino.
Simple and uncomplicated not trying to be anything more than smashable.
When you’re in the mood for drink now, no fuss this LDR will hit the spot.

Sep 29th, 2018
Bob McDonald

Crimson with purple tinges. LDR is Light Dry Red. This is a growing category in Australia with the unlikely blend of Pinot Noir and Syrah. Originally pioneered in the 1940s by Hunter Valley legend Maurice O’Shea. My first Wine from 2017. Very primary with Red fruits of cherry and strawberry with confectionery lolly overtones. Finishes with a savoury bitterness which redeems the situation and makes this Wine totally smashable. This will disappear at lunch in an Aussie summer in a matter of minutes. Serve slightly chilled.

Crimson with purple tinges. LDR is Light Dry Red. This is a growing category in Australia with the unlikely blend of Pinot Noir and Syrah. Originally pioneered in the 1940s by Hunter Valley legend Maurice O’Shea. My first Wine from 2017. Very primary with Red fruits of cherry and strawberry with confectionery lolly overtones. Finishes with a savoury bitterness which redeems the situation and makes this Wine totally smashable. This will disappear at lunch in an Aussie summer in a matter of minutes. Serve slightly chilled.

Dec 3rd, 2017
Bob McDonald

Very primary showing its Youth on nose and palate. The perfume of the Pinot Noir and the spice of the Syrah - both varieties grow well in the Yarra, expertly blended by Steve Flamsteed. Not sure who else would make this blend around the world but it was a blend used in the late 40’s and 50’s in the Hunter Valley by the legendary Maurice OShea who crafted some amazing wines in primitive conditions by gaslight. This version from Giant Steps is designed to be eminently smashable and it is as our Delectable friend from the Adelaide Hills, Scott Rowe said as well. The ultimate out door Bistro Wine in an Australian Spring bursting with flavour and vitality. Buy by the case. 73 weeks later on 14th January 2022, I had my last bottle of the 2018 and have decided to leave the last bottle of 2019 for some years to see how it develops and put HH’s drinking window to the test.

Very primary showing its Youth on nose and palate. The perfume of the Pinot Noir and the spice of the Syrah - both varieties grow well in the Yarra, expertly blended by Steve Flamsteed. Not sure who else would make this blend around the world but it was a blend used in the late 40’s and 50’s in the Hunter Valley by the legendary Maurice OShea who crafted some amazing wines in primitive conditions by gaslight. This version from Giant Steps is designed to be eminently smashable and it is as our Delectable friend from the Adelaide Hills, Scott Rowe said as well. The ultimate out door Bistro Wine in an Australian Spring bursting with flavour and vitality. Buy by the case. 73 weeks later on 14th January 2022, I had my last bottle of the 2018 and have decided to leave the last bottle of 2019 for some years to see how it develops and put HH’s drinking window to the test.

1 person found it helpfulAug 15th, 2020
Scott Rowe

Perfect end to a big week of V20, bring on next week.

Perfect end to a big week of V20, bring on next week.

1 person found it helpfulMar 7th, 2020
David

Easy drinking

Easy drinking

May 9th, 2021
Jaz
8.4

Dark fruits, strong front palate. Little length.

Dark fruits, strong front palate. Little length.

May 3rd, 2020
Ilkka Laihanen

Ok PN👍

Ok PN👍

Dec 3rd, 2019