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Description
The Giant Steps Yarra Valley Chardonnay is a blend of five of the key Giant Steps owned/managed vineyards, Sexton, Gruyere Farm, Tarraford, Applejack, Wombat Creek Vineyards, designed for earlier approachability without comprising quality. In essence, it's a snapshot of the Yarra Valley vintage.
Head Winemaker Mel Chester crafts this in a similar style to her predecessor Steve Flamsteed, with all fruit hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed. The juice ferments naturally in 500L French oak puncheons (15% new) using indigenous yeast, a small portion undergoes malolactic fermentation, but freshness and purity are the main focus of this cuvee every year.
The 2023 vintage was marked by a cool, slow ripening season, resulting in concentrated flavours and bright acidity. It's a tightly wound release that drinks beautifully now but should be one of the better vintages of this wine to cellar in some years.
It's sleek and elegant with the excellent length and finesse that has become synonymous with the Yarra and this variety. It's the perfect introduction to Giant Steps, to the Yarra Valley and to cool-climate Chardonnay. A no-brainer and one of our all-time most popular Chardonnays at Different Drop.
95 points
"Intoxicating acidity and a kefir creaminess on the finish. A spray of saline and oak appears in its round shapes rather than toasty notes. Alive with energy and creeping unsuspecting power."
- Shanteh Wale (Wine Pilot)
95 points
"Packs a punch on the saline, gently textured, gently chewy palate. Great stuff and the perfect entrée to the year's superb lineup of single-vineyard chardonnays."
- Philip Rich (Halliday Wine Companion)
