Fatal Shore Pinot Noir 2020 from Giant Steps is an expressive, multi-layered Pinot Noir from an exemplary vineyard in Tasmania, bearing the hallmark of the renowned Yarra Valley estate. It has earned 94 points from Robert Parker and 93 from Wine Enthusiast, impressing us with its concentrated red fruit, hints of white pepper, and refined structure. Time has treated it kindly, and if you love Pinot Noir, this is a wine you must try!
The winery’s story began in 1997, when Phil Sexton embarked on an intensive search for the ideal site in the Yarra Valley – one with the right altitude, soil, aspect and microclimate. His goal was to grow Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and craft wines of exceptional quality. Success came quickly: the wines gained international acclaim and have since collected over 100 gold medals at top competitions in Australia and worldwide. For the past decade, Giant Steps has consistently ranked among the Top 100 Wineries in the World by Wine & Spirits Magazine, a distinction that reflects its unwavering commitment to quality and innovation.
For Fatal Shore Pinot Noir 2020, the grapes come from the Nocton Vineyard in the heart of Tasmania’s Coal River Valley, one of Australia’s most celebrated cool-climate regions. Here, despite the low temperatures, abundant sunshine ensures perfect ripening, resulting in wines of exemplary elegance – the very reason for the region’s global reputation. The Pinot Noir grapes are hand-harvested, and fermentation takes place in open oak and stainless-steel vats, with a portion fermented in whole bunches. The wine is aged for eight months in French oak (25% new), developing aromatic complexity, silky texture and impressive ageing potential of over 10 years.
Fatal Shore Pinot Noir 2020 is bottled unfiltered, using gravity alone, and is utterly delicious – ready to enjoy alongside calf’s liver with smoked paprika and creamy mashed potatoes.
