Giant Steps : Fatal Shore Pinot Noir 2021

Tasting Characteristics and Recommendations for Fatal Shore Pinot Noir 2021 Giant Steps

Tasting

Appearance
The wine displays a ruby-red hue.

Nose
The nose reveals aromas of red cherry and strawberry, accompanied by notes of dried herbs and rose petals. Hints of dried blood orange add further complexity.

Palate
On the palate, this wine charms with its silky texture and crunchy tannins. The palate unfolds flavors of red fruits and plum, enhanced by spicy and mineral notes. The finish stands out for its length and freshness.

Food and Wine Pairing

This Pinot Noir pairs perfectly with grilled white meats, notably chicken and turkey. It also matches beautifully with a grilled rib steak served with caramelized onions, as well as mushroom dishes and fresh herbs.

Serving and Cellaring

Fatal Shore Pinot Noir 2021 can be enjoyed now or cellared until around 2029.

An intense, structured Tasmanian Pinot Noir by Giant Steps

The Estate

Founded in 1996 by Phil Sexton in the Yarra Valley, Giant Steps has established itself as a benchmark for cool-climate wines in Australia. Since 2019, the estate has been owned by Jackson Family Wines. Melanie Chester, appointed Head Winemaker in 2021, now leads the property, which was named Winery of the Year 2025 by the Halliday Wine Companion. Giant Steps stands out for its commitment to expressing terroirs and its gravity-flow winemaking, producing Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs renowned for their purity and finesse.

The Vineyard

Fatal Shore Pinot Noir comes from the Nocton vineyard, located in the Coal River Valley in Tasmania, about 15 kilometers south of Hobart. Planted in 1999 across 34 hectares, this vineyard benefits from a northeast exposure and sits on dolerite, limestone, and Triassic sandstone soils. The Pinot Noir vines, from the MV6 and D5V12 clones, thrive in this cool southern climate marked by low temperatures and extended sunshine during the growing season.

The Vintage

The 2021 vintage in Tasmania began with cool conditions that delayed budbreak and flowering. Despite a challenging start to the season, this prolonged cool spell encouraged the development of thicker grape skins and riper stems. The cool conditions also helped preserve high natural acidity, contributing to the production of fragrant, textured Australian Pinot Noirs.

Winemaking and Aging

The grapes for Fatal Shore Pinot Noir 2021 were hand-harvested and immediately placed in refrigerated containers. The fruit was then transported by boat across the Bass Strait to the winery. The D5V12 clone was destemmed and cold-soaked for three to four days before fermentation with indigenous yeasts in open-top vats. The MV6 clone was fermented whole cluster. Aging took place over eight months in French oak barrels, 25% of which were new, from the D&J, Vicard, and Taransaud cooperages. The wine was bottled without fining or filtration.

Grape Variety

100% Pinot Noir