Pinot Noir Sexton Vineyard, Giant Steps 2024

Beautifully composed, this fine-boned Pinot Noir brims with complex intensity and focus. Demure dark cherry, wild raspberry and Damson plum hover over dried violet and nutmeg. With air, dried leaves, liquorice root and twiggy forest floor emerge, plus a hint of au jus. Youth keeps it furled, but brilliance awaits. The palate mirrors the nose – dark cherry, nutmeg, twigs, clove and Damson plum glide through a seamless, weightless frame. Lacy yet firm tannins and earthy acidity build structure and length. A very strong release, showing pedigree early. Drink from 2027-2032.

From the Sexton vineyard in Gruyere planted in the late '90s. 100% destemmed. A deep crimson ruby. Aromas of ripe dark raspberries, blackcurrant pastilles (these were always my favourite) and even a little kirsch. A touch of rose bush. The palate is juicy and fleshy and the wine's ripe, plush tannins make this, along with the Primavera, the richest, meatiest and most immediate of the four single-vineyard pinots in '24. Having said this, you'd be happy if you found some laying around the cellar in eight or so years.