2024 Giant Steps Yarra Valley LDR

93 pts
Giant Steps |Yarra Valley |Pinot Noir Blends
An utterly smashable, lighter Yarra Valley red inspired by some of the great Hunter Valley reds of old.
4.6
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars
7 Reviews

Price:
Sale price$29.00
Stock:
In stock, ready to ship, only 4 units left
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Description

The LDR (Light Dry Red) is a lip-smacking blend of Pinot Noir and Syrah, with fruit from Giant Step's Sexton home block on the Valley floor and the notable Tarraford vineyard.

Made with 100% hand-picked fruit, the Pinot Noir was destemmed and fermented as whole berries after a four-day cold soak, while the Syrah underwent 100% whole-bunch carbonic maceration, bringing lifted aromatics and silky texture. Maturation took place over six months in a mix of large (2000L) and smaller (225L & 500L) French oak barrels, bottled unfined and unfiltered to keep things as pure as possible.

It's just a delight - a light, fresh, and dangerously easy-drinking red. Think wild strawberries, cherry, and black pepper, with a touch of dried herbs and a fine, velvety finish. Juicy yet structured, it’s just delicious.

If you love this uniquely Australian blend, with all the history and nostalgia that Pinot/Shiraz conjure up for Australian wine lovers, this is a beautiful modern rendition which should absolutely be on your hit list.

93 points
"A bright ruby crimson. Aromas of brambly red fruits, light rose petal scents, and a touch of spice. Even better on the light- to medium-bodied, brightly fruited, supple, and balanced palate. Fine-knit tannins round out a wine that's designed to enjoy now but will still be looking good three to four years from now."
- Philip Rich (Halliday Wine Companion)

93 points – "A bright ruby crimson. Aromas of brambly red fruits, light rose petal scents, and a touch of spice.

Even better on the light- to medium-bodied, brightly fruited, supple, and balanced palate. Fine-knit tannins round out a wine that's designed to enjoy now but will still be looking good three to four years from now." – Philip Rich (Halliday Wine Companion)

Customer Reviews

4.6
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars
Based on 7 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 4 Total 4 star reviews: 3 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
7 reviews
  • CO
    ChaoChoon O.
    Verified Buyer
    1 year ago
    Reviewing
    2023 Giant Steps Yarra Valley LDR
    Rated 4 out of 5 stars
    deliciously crunchy.... and a steal

    drank this slightly chilled, and it was abosolutely delightful. Can't get any better at this price point

  • PC
    Paul C.
    Verified Buyer
    1 year ago
    Reviewing
    2023 Giant Steps Yarra Valley LDR
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Australia's best value red blend!

    We've been drinking the Giant Steps LDR for years. An absolutely gorgeous pinot noir and syrah blend that is perfect to drink young, at any time of the year (even slightly chilled in summer) and with or without food. An absolutely smashable, in a good way, medium bodied red.

  • AB
    Amanda B.
    Verified Buyer
    1 year ago
    Reviewing
    2022 Giant Steps Yarra Valley LDR
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Great Value Wine from Excellent producer

    I've loved the Pinots from Giants Steps previously, and this red is also excellent. It's a great week night wine to please multiple palates. I tried one and then ended up buying 3 more bottles.

Region: Yarra Valley, Victoria
Vintage: 2024
Type: Red Wine
Variety: Pinot Noir, Syrah
Vegan Friendly: ✔
Volume: 750ml
Alcohol Volume: 13%
pH: 3.56
Acidity: 6.0 g/L
Closure: Screwcap
Bottling Date: October 2024
Harvest Date: March – April 2024

Background

Region: Yarra Valley

Vintage Notes

The 2024 growing season began with ideal flowering conditions, leading to good fruit set and moderate yields. December was cool and mild, followed by one of the highest January rainfalls on record (150mm). The heat accelerated ripening, but by February, the region returned to its typical Indian summer pattern—warm and dry with minimal disease pressure. These ideal conditions resulted in wines with excellent acidity, balance, and flavor.

Vineyard Notes

Sourced from: Sexton and Tarraford Vineyards

Winemaking
• 100% hand-picked fruit.
• Fermented in small open vats with indigenous yeasts.
• Syrah: 100% whole bunch carbonic maceration.
• Pinot Noir: Destemmed and cold-soaked for four days, then fermented as whole berries.
• Aged for six months in a combination of large-format (2000L) and small-format (225L & 500L) French oak barrels.
• Bottled by gravity. No fining. No filtration.

Peak Drinking / Cellaring Potential

Now – 2 years

Food Matches
• Hibachi char-grilled octopus with a squeeze of lemon
• Manchego cheese & green olive tapenade
• Wood-fired pizza
• Miso eggplant, baked polenta with salsa verde
• Pork rillettes & cornichons

Price Bracket $30 or Less
Type Red
Body Light Bodied
Variety Pinot Noir Blends
Country Australia
Region Yarra Valley
Australian State VIC
Feature Women in Wine
Reviewed By Halliday Wine Companion
Critic Score 93
Size 750ml
Vintage 2024
Closure Screw Cap

Giant Steps

Giant Steps is a premium Yarra Valley outfit founded by Phil Sexton and located in the township of Healesville. Beginning with the vision of original head winemaker Steve Flamsteed, Giant Steps developed an international reputation for producing some of Australia's finest examples of single vineyard Pinot Noir & Chardonnay.

In 2021 the exceptionally talented Melanie Chester joined the team as the new head of winemaking and viticulture, marking an exciting new chapter in this elite producer's story.

Every aspect of the Giant Steps process is geared towards making truly world-class wines from the vineyard to the final bottled wine. The focus is on what the Yarra does best - Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Shiraz/Syrah and Bordeaux-variety blends - and showcasing the unique terroirs of some of the region's finest vineyards.

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Common Questions

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