The 2024 Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir is one of the standout single-vineyard Pinot Noirs from the Upper Yarra Valley, sourced from the celebrated Applejack Vineyard at Gladysdale. Planted in 1997 by respected viticulturist Ray Guerin, the vineyard sits at approximately 300 metres elevation on dramatic east-facing slopes, with grey clay loam over a basalt volcanic base. Its altitude and exposure create a distinctly cooler growing environment than the central Yarra Valley, while the surrounding temperate rainforest protects the vines from the hottest afternoon sun. These conditions have helped establish Applejack as one of Giant Steps’ most important sites for Pinot Noir, consistently producing wines of perfume, spice, earthy complexity and fine structure.
The 2024 vintage produced around 40% less fruit than 2023, resulting in a particularly concentrated expression of Applejack, with 40% whole bunches incorporated during fermentation. The wine shows wild blackberry, raspberry and dark cherry alongside briar, smoked herbs, forest floor, spice and subtle mineral notes. It is more powerful and slightly more sauvage than some previous Applejack releases, yet retains the vineyard's characteristic freshness and precision, with silky fruit framed by succulent, fine-grained tannins and an exceptionally persistent finish. Critical acclaim has been extraordinary: 98 Points from Philip Rich at Halliday Wine Companion, 97 Points from James Suckling, 96+ Points from Campbell Mattinson at The Wine Front and 95 Points from Wine Enthusiast. It was also awarded the Trophy for Best Pinot Noir in Australia at the 2025 Australian Pinot Noir Challenge.
