Giant Steps Sexton Chardonnay 2022

Giant Steps Sexton Chardonnay 2022

Located on the steep slopes of the Warramate Ranges, alongside the vineyards of iconic Yarra producers Yarra Yering and Coldstream Hills, the Sexton Vineyard is in one of the most revered pockets of the Valley. Being well up the Range’s north-facing 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 flavoured fruit with high skin to juice ratio. The predominant clones are GinGin and Mendoza which produce hens and chickens (large and small grapes on the same bunch), which results in high white tannin and phenolic content to balance the citrus flavours.

2022 was a high quality but low yielding season in the Yarra Valley.

"Made from a 50/50% blend of Gingin and Bernard (or Dijon, as it's often referred to) clones planted on north-facing soil in Gruyere. Whole bunches pressed to French puncheons, 20% new oak. A bright green gold.

The most immediate of the four single-vineyard chardonnays from Giant Steps in 2022. Perfectly ripened white peach and apricot aromas with scents of German spiced biscuits and a little flint. Textured with good intensity, this silky wine flows effortlessly across the palate." 

96pts Philip Rich Halliday Wine Companion

About Giant Steps

Giant Steps was established in 1997 when Phil Sexton planted the Sexton Vineyard on the North face of the Warramate Hills, Parish of Gruyere in the Southern Yarra Valley.

The first vintage was 2001 (the only time the winery has used cork) and in 2003, Phil was joined by Chief Winemaker Steve Flamsteed.

Since 2003 Giant Steps wines have collectively been awarded 27 trophies and over 95 gold medals at major international and domestic wine shows.  They have been named one of the Top 100 Wineries in the World by Wine & Spirits Magazine, US for each of the last six years.

• Giant Steps Sexton Chardonnay 2022