Giant Steps Primavera Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023

The Giant Steps Primavera Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023 comes from Lou Primavera’s elevated Woori Yallock vineyard, planted in 2001 after he fell in love with Yarra Valley wines 25 years earlier. Today, it is one of the region’s most characterful single sites, and Giant Steps has a long-standing relationship with the Primavera family, sourcing fruit from this vineyard for many years.

The site sits at 240 metres elevation, facing north and north-east, producing Pinot Noir of fragrance, finesse, and natural vibrancy. A combination of MV6 on the north slope and 115 + G-clone on the south slope contributes to its aromatic lift and fine structure. The red clay loam soils support slow, even ripening — a signature of Woori Yallock’s cool climate.

Tasting Note

Fragrant and floral, the 2023 Primavera Pinot Noir opens with strawberry compote, tamarillo, sage, and rose petals, supported by subtle notes of reduction and graphite. The palate is succulent and plush, showcasing silky tannins and a beautifully flowing texture. Bright, expressive, and deliciously approachable, it embodies the “drink-now” charm that Primavera Vineyard is known for.

Small-Batch Detail

• Vineyard: Primavera Vineyard (Single Vineyard)

• Location: Woori Yallock, Upper Yarra Valley

• Elevation: 240m

• Aspect: North & north-east

• Soil: Red clay loam

• Planted: 2001

• Clones: MV6 (north slope), 115 & G-clone (south slope)

• Whole Bunch: 15%

• Maturation: French barriques (25% new)

• Alcohol: 13.2%

• Drink Window: 2024–2028
  

Expert Review

96 Points – James Halliday (Halliday Wine Companion)
“A light, bright crimson. Aromas of strawberry compote, tamarillo, sage and rose petals, with a little reduction and graphite. The palate is succulent and plush with silky tannins, making this the ‘yummo’, drink-now single-vineyard wine from Giant Steps in ’23.”
Tasted 23 Feb 2024.

FinePinot Note

Elegant, expressive, and perfumed, the Primavera Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023 is one of the most charming and immediately delicious single-vineyard releases from Giant Steps. A perfect representation of Upper Yarra finesse — bright fruit, flowing texture, and understated complexity.

96 points - Halliday Wine Companion
"From Lou Primavera's 2001-planted vineyard at Woori Yallock; 15% whole bunches and matured in French barriques (25% new). A light, bright crimson. Aromas of strawberry compote, tamarillo, sage and rose petals. A little reduction and graphite too. The palate is succulent and plush with silky tannins, making this the yummo, drink-now, single-vineyard wine from Giant Steps in '23."