Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

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! — a month ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

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

Bob McDonald

9.5

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. — 2 years ago

Donald Williams

9.5

Nothing beats a vintage KR Carneros PN. — 3 months ago

with Bonnie

Ericsson

9.2

Nice age on this red Bordeaux blend done in Steve Metthiasson’s signature old world bright acid style. Just beginning to show notes of pomegranate and plum. Cheers. — 9 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

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. — a year ago

Gene Buonviri

9.2

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. — 4 months ago

with Justinian

Sebastian Corriere

9.1

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

Clay Bullwinkel

9.5

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

Bob McDonald

9.5

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