DOMAINE MICHELE & PATRICE RION Vielles Vignes, Chambolle-Musigny

Hand picked low yielding vines producing a wine with increased intensity of aroma, flavour, texture and length. Hand picked and fermented with indigenous yeast and matured in French oak for two years..

This 20ha vineyard was planted on red clay loam soil at Woori Yallock in 2001 by Lou Primavera, with whom Giant Steps has a long-standing grape-supply relationship. Pinot Noir (114, MV6 and G8V3 clones) grown here on the north and north east facing slopes at 230m is noted for its complex structure and pronounced perfume. The 114 and MV6 are fermented as whole bunches in open vats, while the G8V3 is destemmed, given a long cold-soak and fermented separately to enhance its aromatic contribution. All ferments use indigenous yeasts and the whole-bunch components are periodically foot-stomped to release additional juice. The wines are pressed to 228 litre, French barriques (about 8% new) for 11 months before blending and bottling without fining or filtration.

JEAN-NOEL GAGNARD Cuvee L'Estimee , Chassagne-Montrachet

Bouchard Pere and Fils is the largest vineyard owner of grands crus and premiers crus in Burgundy. Corton is the only red Grand Cru in the Cote D'Or.

As often happens with Calvert, the nose when young is slightly muted and more direct than exotic; pure and fine aromas, not bold and lush. The palate follows on accordingly, with clarity of fruit, roses and florals. Focussed, concentrated yet pure in the mid-palate, with its hallmark mineral texture, its firm but ultimately juicy on the finish. The vines are growing up and were seeing the puppy-fat turn to muscle.

SYLVAIN CATHIARD Aux Malconsorts 1er cru, Vosne-Romanee

Bass Phillip Depuis 2023 marks another leap forward for this legendary Gippsland estate, now led by Burgundian icon Jean-Marie Fourrier. Since the change in stewardship, the wines have gained even greater finesse, vibrancy and aromatic detail, while retaining the wild energy that made Bass Phillip famous. The Depuis 2023 is deep, fragrant and beautifully structured, with pure red and black cherry, rose petals and fresh herb notes weaving through a core of supple fruit. Fine tannins and bright acidity lend clarity and drive, while a whisper of whole-bunch character adds complexity. There’s a seamless intensity that lingers long on the finish, propelled by that Gippsland mineral signature and the estate’s trademark lift. Critics have responded accordingly—Jane Faulkner (Halliday Wine Companion) and Huon Hooke (The Real Review) both awarded the 2023 Bass Phillip Pinot 96 points, highlighting their freshness, succulence and compelling, layered detail. Depuis 2023 is a striking, cellar-worthy Pinot with pedigree and poise, delivering the best of both classic Bass Phillip and new-era precision.