Giant Steps Chardonnay "Sexton Vineyard" 2021 (Yarra Valley, Australia) - [WA 96] [WE 95] [JS 95] [WS 94]
Giant Steps Chardonnay "Sexton Vineyard" 2021 (Yarra Valley, Australia) - [WA 96] [WE 95] [JS 95] [WS 94]

Giant Steps Chardonnay "Sexton Vineyard" 2021
(Yarra Valley, Australia) - [WA 96] [WE 95] [JS 95] [WS 94]


Regular price $95.00 Sale price $84.99 Save $10.01
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WA96 WE95 JS95 WS94
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About the Winery:
Located in Victoria’s Yarra Valley, Giant Steps is recognized 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 recognized globally for its pursuit of site expression.

About this Wine:
Located on the steep north facing slopes of the Warramate Ranges, the Sexton Vineyard is exposed and demanding. Being on the higher slopes, topsoil is thin and root systems have established themselves in shallow gravelly loams above a tough rocky clay base. Bunch yields set naturally low in this environment, resulting in intensely flavored fruit with high skin to juice ratio.

Winemaker Notes:
2021 was a terrific vintage for both vineyard quality and quantity.

Appellation: Yarra Valley
Varietals: 100% Chardonnay
Alcohol Volume  13%
PH 3.25
Acidity 5.9g/L

Ratings & Reviews:

96 Points – Wine Advocate:
"This is made with fruit from the Sexton Vineyard, at 200 meters in altitude (80 meters higher than Tarraford). Within the vineyard, the clones are dominated by Gingin (brought over to Victoria by Phil Sexton), followed by Dijon clones, planted in the 1990s. The 2021 Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay is composed of 60% Gingin. Twenty percent of the parcels went through malolactic fermentation—clone 277 and some of the 96. This is salty as anything—a very good thing in my book—and the sheer intensity of flavor in the mouth is mouthwatering. Preserved lemon and grapefruit pith lace the edges of the mid-palate. Very smart—it has the Yarra precision of acid and streamlined phenolics, but it brings concentration of flavor and thrilling phenolics. Super smart wine.” – Erin Larkin (Nov 2023)

95 Points – Wine Enthusiast:
“From one of the Yarra's most renowned vineyards, on steep loam and clay slopes in the Warramate Ranges, this vintage of Sexton again proves a sublimely classy bottling. Layered and bright aromas of preserved lemon, melon and fresh cream, strewn with flower petals and softly framed by toasty oak open. The mouth-watering, citrusy acidity and silky texture work seamlessly together, supported by the fine-grained oak, with a long lemon-curd finish. Harmonious and elegant without shying away from structure and age-worthiness.“ – CP (Mar 2023)

95 Points – James Suckling:
“A rich and textural chardonnay with tons of ripe pear fruit and floral complexity. On the concentrated palate this has a serious tannin structure and a bright mineral acidity that interlocks very neatly. Long, generous and complete finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap.” (Oct 2022)

94 Points – Wine Spectator: “Pure and focused, with a laser beam of lemon meringue, fleshy mandarin orange and orange sherbet showing incredible intensity and concentration. This remains light on its feet and focused, thanks to fresh acidity, with details of matcha and dried apricot for extra dimension on the finish. Drink now through 2027. 2,343 cases made, 200 cases imported.” – MW (Dec 2022)