2015 Giant Steps Harry’s Monster Yarra Valley Victoria – buy online

WHO?

Phil Sexton, the founder and owner of Giant Steps, named his winery after an album by musician John Coltrane. It’s also a great allusion to the giant step he took when he sold his initial winery in Margaret River and moved to Victoria. Chief winemaker Steve Flamsteed aims to express the unique characteristics of each vineyard site, grape variety, and vintage through meticulous work in the vineyard and minimal intervention in the winery.

WHERE?

With a history dating back 175 years, there’s no doubt that the Yarra Valley is one of Australia’s most prestigious wine regions with a cooler climate and the first appellation in Victoria. In the winery, fundamental principles include the use of gravity instead of pumps, indigenous yeasts, and minimal fining and filtration. Biodynamic vineyard practices are introduced with the intention of further developing the unique character of each micro-location and constantly improving the quality of grapes and wine.

WHY?

In exceptional years, selected parcels of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot are vinified separately. The best barrels are then blended to create the award-winning Harry’s Monster, which undergoes further aging in the finest oak. It exhibits pronounced primary fruit flavors, luxurious texture, and an unmistakable Bordeaux pedigree. On the palate, it shows outstanding balance and a long finish.

Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate – 93 pts