The 2016 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is consistent with previous bottles. It soars from the glass with those (to use a word I used last time) disarming array of blackberry, iris and fig aromas, but displaying a little more blue fruit than I recall. The palate is very well balanced with a velvety texture, pure with just a hint of black pepper. Interestingly, the 65% whole bunches are barely noticeable, just a guiding hand that shapes the finish. Sapid yet tender, this is an outstanding Pessac-Léognan. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the Icons of Bordeaux dinner at Legacy Records in New York. (Neal Martin, Vinous, May 2024)
— 7 months ago
I have several previous Delectable notes on this brilliant wine. As fellow Delectable taster Scott Rowe said of this wine “Epic”. Sadly my last of the 2015 vintage Tolpuddle Pinot Noir. There were too many things going for it not to be a success. :-
Coal River Tasmania; Shaw and Smith Winemaking team; 2015 vintage. There were spicy red cherries on the nose. A stalky whole bunch note. (50% whole bunch fermentation). See previous notes. Every year since has been a similar success. — 22 days ago
Great every day wine…dry and deep — 8 months ago
Papaya, peach, rose, wet stones
26 days of skin contact - light golden color, almost like an oaky white
I love the slight funk without being too wild — 9 months ago
Still great, everything you want in a Pinot Noir rose. — 2 years ago
Nice to drink, medium bodied — 3 months ago
Whole clusters used instead of de stemming. Lemony tartness upfront then a mineral finish.- almost a hint of tannins. But not tannins. A different taste for a Riesling — 5 months ago
Brief notes. Another excellent example of Pinot Noir from the Applejack vineyard. Red fruited with strawberry and cherry. Definitely more fruit driven than the Wombat Creek which has more whole bunch in the ferment. The differences are more in wine making technique than in terroir I feel. Sexton possibly a bit of each. Had my last bottle on 6th September 2024. Applejack is definitely my favourite Giant Steps cuvee for Pinot Noir. The perfect balance of fruit, Sous Bois, acid and tannin. The 2023 just awarded Halliday’s Pinot Noir of the year for 2024. — 8 months ago
Neil Valenzuela
Medium ruby color. Aromas of black cherry, earthy, mushrooms and spices. Great vintage still kicking full of flavor. — 2 months ago