95+ Points, Philip Rich, Published 29 June 2026
From a vineyard planted in '99 in the Coal River Valley; 100% destemmed, 25% new oak. A deep crimson purple. Concentrated with dark cherry, blackberry, white and black pepper and a little crushed violet. The palate is compact and dense with firm, balanced tannins, creating a muscular wine that will reward at least six to 10 years in the cellar.

95+ Points, Campbell Mattinson, Published 25 July 2026
Giant Steps’ Coal River Valley Pinot Noir is from the Nocton vineyard, planted in 1999.
A little bit more structure, a little more bass and fruit-grunt perhaps, the same polish, the same excellence. I’m not sure how people view Giant Steps’ Tasmanian outcrop – I’m tempted to say that it’s anti the Giant Steps brand but then, Giant Steps has always taken excursions out of its home region – but quality-wise this is right up there with the single vineyard releases from the Yarra. Cherry-plum flavours, florals and herbs, an absolute smidgen of reduction, and immaculate, fine-meshed, mineral-laced tannin. Brilliant.