The Coal River Pinot Noir 2023 is one of Giant Steps’ most distinctive and powerful single-vineyard expressions — sourced from the Nocton Vineyard, planted in 1999 on calcareous and Triassic sandstone soils in Tasmania’s Coal River Valley. Despite its southerly latitude, the region benefits from long, intense sunlight hours, allowing Pinot Noir to ripen slowly and develop remarkable depth, colour, and structural intensity.
The cool 2023 season began cold and wet, establishing healthy vine canopies and generous bunch numbers. Mild conditions persisted through summer, with only a handful of days above 30°C, resulting in a long, slow ripening period. Extensive shoot thinning and leaf plucking were required throughout the season. Harvest was unusually late, with fruit arriving at the winery in late April — perfectly ripe and beautifully balanced.
Winemaking
Grapes were handpicked and loaded directly into a refrigerated container at the vineyard, then transported overnight across Bass Strait to the Giant Steps winery in Healesville.
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Fruit was destemmed and cold soaked for 3–4 days in open oak and stainless-steel fermenters.
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The MV6 parcel, grown on the rockiest soils at the top of the site, was fermented 100% whole bunch in an oak vat.
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Maturation: 8 months in French oak barriques (25% new; D&J, Vicard, Taransaud).
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Bottled by gravity, with no fining and no filtration.
This gentle approach preserves the vineyard’s natural power, density, and aromatic profile.
Tasting Note
A vivid full ruby colour with purple glints announces a Pinot Noir of impressive weight and presence. The nose offers lifted raspberry, black cherry and vanilla bean, while the palate delivers intense black and red berry fruits, layered with dried herbs, forest floor and subtle vanilla spice.
Fine, integrated tannins run quietly beneath the fruit, guided by a firm acid line that drives the wine toward a long, complex and characterful finish.
Small-Batch Detail
Expert Review
96 Points – Stuart Knox (January 2025)
“Full ruby colour with purple glints at the rim. Aromatic lift of raspberry, black cherry and vanilla beans. The palate is full of intense black and red berry fruits, with hints of dried herbs, forest floor and vanilla adding layers of character. Tannins work quietly in the background, supported by fine acidity, leading to a very long finish with a flurry of complexity and personality.”
Fine Pinot Note
Bold, charismatic, and deeply textural, the Coal River Pinot Noir 2023 stands apart in the Giant Steps portfolio. It captures Tasmania’s cool-climate purity while delivering richness, muscle and longevity rarely seen in Australian Pinot Noir. A superb choice for collectors and lovers of powerful, structured styles.
