Giant Steps Chardonnay Sexton Vineyard 2021

Giant Steps Chardonnay Sexton Vineyard 2021 is a remarkable wine crafted in the Yarra Valley, Victoria. Phil Sexton, the winemaker, has created a wine that exemplifies the outstanding quality of the 2021 vintage. This vintage had a wet spring followed by a healthy amount of sunshine and well-timed rain in January. The overall temperature during the growing season was lower than average, leading to a long, slow ripening period. This resulted in a great concentration of flavors and natural acidity.

The color of this Giant Steps Chardonnay 2021 is a vibrant green gold, a sign of its freshness and quality. Pour it into a glass to notice its bright and lively appearance.

On the nose, this Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay smells like a basket of ripe stone fruits. You’ll pick up aromas of apricots and peaches, interlocked with hints of grapefruit pith and a touch of lemongrass. There’s also a subtle note of ginger that adds complexity to the bouquet.

When you taste this Giant wine, the flavors of orange sherbet, lemon curd, and ruby grapefruit come to the forefront. These flavors are concentrated and vibrant, making each sip a delightful experience. The palate is gently textured, balanced, and satisfying. It’s a serious wine that offers a juicy, apple-like acidity, which is complemented by a mineral, salty finish. The wine holds a certain power and punchiness, yet it remains streamlined and taut.

The finish is long and persistent, with lingering notes of fresh-grated ginger, lemon thyme, and salted melon. This mouthwatering finish makes you want to take another sip, appreciating the wine’s complete and generous nature.

The winemaking process involves hand-picking the Chardonnay grapes of Giant Steps Winery and chilling them overnight before whole bunch pressing the following morning. The juice is transferred into 500L French oak puncheons, with 15% new oak and 85% seasoned oak. The juice is naturally fermented using indigenous yeast over ten days, with lots of stirring at the end of the fermentation process. Around 10% of the batches undergo malolactic fermentation, contributing to the wine’s rich and textural palate. The wine is then sulphured and kept on lees in barrel until October, when it is blended and bottled.

Giant Steps Chardonnay Sexton Vineyard 2021 has received high praise from critics. Wine Spectator awarded it 94 points, highlighting its incredible vibrancy and concentration of orange sherbet, lemon curd, and ruby grapefruit flavors. They noted the fresh-grated ginger, lemon thyme, and salted melon on the finish, recommending it to drink now.

The Australian Wine Companion gave it 95 points, praising its super-bright green gold color and vibrant aromas of perfectly ripened stone fruits, grapefruit pith, and an attractive touch of lemongrass and ginger. They described it as a class act from beginning to end, with a gently textured, balanced, and satisfying palate.

James Suckling rated it 92 points, describing it as a fleshy, textured Chardonnay with aromas of apricots, honeysuckle, nutmeg, toast, and persimmons. He mentioned its medium- to full-bodied nature with bright acidity, balanced and layered character, and hints of flint at the end. He also recommended drinking it now.

This Giant Steps Chardonnay pairs beautifully with BBQ roasted prawns with citrus dressing, pan-seared John Dory fish with capers, and roasted asparagus with mustard vinaigrette and slivered almonds. Its vibrant flavors and balanced acidity complement these dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience. If you visit Australia, at Giant Steps Winery Restaurant, you can savor exquisite dishes perfectly paired with our vibrant Giant Steps Chardonnay Sexton Vineyard 2021, enhancing your dining experience with its rich, balanced flavors and lively finish.

Giant Steps Chardonnay Sexton Vineyard 2021 is a terrific example of what the Yarra Valley can produce. Its vibrant color, complex aromas, and concentrated flavors make it a standout wine. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or pairing it with food, this Chardonnay is sure to impress. Drink now to fully appreciate its bright, juicy character and persistent finish.