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
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! — 5 months ago
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
Despite being stored in worrisome conditions with the recent summer heat, 2013 proved to be a trooper. Some sweet aromas of age and oxidation were outshined by big ripe red and black fruit. Hints of pepper and iron. Big body and silky to velvet texture. Took a meal of grilled lamb and green beans with mushrooms to the next level. Wish I had another. Thanks Steve and team! — 4 years ago
Steve does it again...this wine is fucking amazing. — 4 years ago
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
2019. Zesty herbs and minerality, acidity. Sav blanc is Bordeaux but Steve is a Rhone syrah man. Nevertheless he nailed it. — 2 years ago
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
Bob McDonald
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