Jackson Family Wines Giant Steps Pinot Noir Sexton 2020

Giant Steps 'Sexton Vineyard' Pinot Noir 2020The "I’m From the Yarra Valley, But My Parents Are Californian" Pinot

The VibeIf you’re looking for a wine with a pedigree as long as a supermarket receipt, this is it. Hailing from the Yarra Valley in Australia, Giant Steps was famously acquired by the Jackson Family Wines (of Kendall-Jackson fame) in 2020. This particular vintage is like the middle child of a high-achieving family: intense, complex, and a little bit dramatic.

The NoseTake a deep dive into the glass. You’ll find dark cherries, damson plums, and "forest floor"—which is just a fancy wine term for "the smell of a very clean forest after a light rain." There’s a hint of Earl Grey tea and spices that make you feel like you should be wearing a turtleneck and discussing literature.

The TasteThe 2020 season was a bit of a rollercoaster, resulting in smaller bunches and naturally high acidity. It’s fuller-bodied than your average Pinot but remains incredibly silky. Expect a fleshy core of black cherry and blackberry, accented by "woodsy" tannins that give the wine a serious, structured backbone. It’s persistent, much like the memory of your last awkward social interaction.

Product SpecsFeatureRealityOrigin

Gruyere, Yarra Valley, AustraliaThe DirtGrey clay loam (Tough soil = "stressed" grapes = better wine) Winemaking100% Pinot Noir, wild fermented with 10% whole bunches Aging 9 months in French oak (25% new, so it’s not "woody" like a pencil) Alcohol~13.5% (The sweet spot for staying classy)

Best Paired With:The Menu: Roast duck, mushroom risotto, or a very expensive piece of salmon.The Moment: A dinner where you want to impress someone who knows about "terroir," or a rainy Tuesday when you want to feel like a protagonist in a moody indie film. Cellaring: It’s drinking beautifully now but will happily hang out in your cellar until 2030. Pro Tip: Don’t serve this warm. Give it a quick 15-minute "chill" in the fridge before opening. It tightens up the fruit and makes the acidity pop like a well-timed punchline.