2020 vintage.
Syrah with 5 % Viognier, for a co-ferment. All hand harvested and sorted.
A small portion of fruit was dried for a month before undergoing fermentation.
100 % French Oak with 12% new. Aged for 20 months.
Done in a Northern Rhone style.
Violets, blueberries and game meats with white pepper and a velvety, silky finish.
— 2 years ago
See previous note from July 2020. Bright Ruby red. Nose as before with Red fruits and compost heap, forest floor. The palate has those earthy savoury rhubarb flavours and is totally balanced with resolved tannins. At 7 years it is probably at its peak with the palate in harmony with the red fruits (which will fade) and the savoury earthiness. I believe this is the time to drink this even though I see a window through to 2026. Tasted my last 2014 30 weeks later on 30th April 2022. A pale Ruby red with a tawny edge. Amongst the very fragrant perfumed nose there was a sooty note which was a byproduct of whole bunch in the ferment. Also a stewed rhubarb note. An excellent Pinot and 96 points from HH. — 3 years ago
Delightful co-ferment skin contact. See what happens when you don’t have VA… — 7 months ago
Need to drink more SA stuff, this was really good. — 3 years ago
Awesome! Is this the best Foudre Ferment Rizza from Best’s to date? I think so. Impeccable balance and tremendous flavour intensity. — 3 years ago
Pais-Carinena 2020 — 8 months ago
Soft and juicy. Actually goes really well with seafood, especially shellfish. — 3 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
Peter van den Besselaar
Vintage 2022 | — 4 months ago