Giant Steps Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay 2020 750ml

Located in Victoria’s Yarra Valley, Giant Steps is recognised as a global benchmark for cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The winery was established in 1998, one year after founder Phil Sexton arrived in the Yarra Valley in search of ideal sites to produce Chardonnay and Pinot Noir of purity and finesse. Enlisting the help of Chief Winemaker Steve Flamsteed who joined the winery in 2003, the two set to create a range of wines that personify the Yarra Valley. Today, the winery is regarded as one of the most progressive in Australia and is recognised globally for its pursuit of site expression. The wines are among the most anticipated releases from Australia and considered benchmarks for the Yarra Valley.

100% hand picked – a spectacular year with every block and clone contributing to the final blend. Whole bunch pressed, juice transferred to barrel by gravity with no settling. Indigenous yeast fermentation in 500L French puncheons. No batonage. No malolactic fermentation. Maturation for 10 months in new and used French oak – 20% new, 80% older, Taransaud and D&J.

93 Points – Huon Hooke, The Real Review, June 2021