2023 Giant Steps Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay

Halliday Wine Companion's Winery of the Year!
"Giant Steps, right now, breathes rare air. It’s been an outstanding winery for a long time, but the combination of energy and expertise – and no doubt plenty more besides – that winemaker Melanie Chester has brought since she arrived at the winery in November 2021 has frankly been breathtaking... In short, it’s a thrilling range to drink from."
- Campbell Mattinson (Halliday Wine Companion)

The Sexton vineyard is owned by Phil Sexton, the founder of Giant Steps.

He purchased the property due to its location, tucked between some of the most famous estates in the Yarra Valley in the foothills of Coldstream, the site perfect for producing first-rate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

The Sexton release is typically the most immediately approachable of the Giant Steps Single Vineyard Chardonnay wines whilst in their youth, but this release from the cooler 2023 vintage has gone to another level.

This Chardonnay is vibrant and inviting, with aromas of stone fruits and grilled nuts. The palate is elegant yet packs a punch, with flavours of yuzu and preserved lemon enhanced by a hint of ginger snap biscuit. The finish is long and nutty, with an energetic, saline edge. It's just delicious.

If you’re new to Giant Steps’ Chardonnays, the Sexton Vineyard is a perfect introduction, and if you're a collector of this wine, the brilliant 2023 release is not to be missed.

98 points
"It’s muscular, powerful and yet graceful, like the stride of an outside centre in rugby, Mark Ella, perhaps. A hint of churned butter and glace pineapple on the finish. Acidity hums along nicely. There is something for everyone’s palate here and this vintage is singing in perfect harmony."
- Shanteh Wale (Wine Pilot)

97 points
"Right now, this is the most salivating and seductive of Giant Step's superb array of single-vineyard chardonnays from '23. Perfectly ripened white peach, pear and some marine scents lead onto the palate, which is gently textured, saline and structured. The finish is energetic, nutty and long."
- Philip Rich (Halliday Wine Companion)

97 points & No20 in Top 100 Australian Wines of 2024
" Complex aromas of lemon curd, candied lime zest, mandarins and flint. The palate is medium-bodied with bright acidity, giving notes of orange peel, hazelnuts, grapefruit pith, pralines and pastry. Very polished and refined with an underlying tension. Delicious."
- James Suckling

96 points
"There’s genuine intensity of chardonnay fruit flavour here and a keen bite that goes with it. Sweet pear, white peach and citrus characters lead to a finish of green pineapple, grapefruit and brine, every step along the way both deliberate and powerful."
- Campbell Mattinson (The Wine Front)

96 points
"This wine, from the vineyard that formed the foundation of the label, shows the deft touch that defines the Giant Steps chardonnay program. It’s a wine of balletic balance and high-def detail, intricate layers and crystalline acidity."
- Nick Ryan (The Weekend Australian)

96 points
"Lifted aromas show dark tones of exotic tropical fruits – grilled pineapple, yuzu and guava – with some fresh grated ginger. The palate entry is focused and tightly bound, although this taut and proud wine benefits from 20% malolactic fermentation and some battonage post-fermentation to add roundness to the mouthfeel. It has exuberance to match its serious power and drive."
- David Sly (Decanter)