Why it matters
The producer
Giant Steps is a Yarra Valley producer focused on cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from named vineyards. The winery has six vineyard sites in the Valley and one in Tasmania. The vineyard name appears with the grape and on the bottle.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
The producer is based in the Yarra Valley, where cool conditions suit its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir focus. The portfolio also reaches Tasmania through one vineyard site. At Bastard Hill, summer temperatures can be four to five degrees cooler than on the valley floor. Ray Guerin planted the vineyard in 1987 for sparkling wine production.
Wines to know
The range in view
Giant Steps Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2022 is made from Chardonnay grown at five vineyard sources. They include Sexton, Tarraford, Applejack, Primavera and Wombat Creek. Whole bunch pressing can reduce harsh tannin extraction. Ageing on lees contributes to the wine's creamy texture. It was aged in 15 percent new French oak and underwent 5 percent malolactic fermentation. The palate shows grilled almonds, peaches, wet stone minerality and citrus.
Sexton Chardonnay 2019 is a single vineyard Chardonnay with mineral complexity, restrained richness and ageing potential.