97 Points
96 Points
95 Points
95 Points
94 Points

Giant Steps Sexton Chardonnay 2021

SKU: GSXH202110 UCNZ

$71.99

Unit price: per

Sourced from the prestigious Sexton Vineyard in the Yarra Valley, the 2021 Sexton Chardonnay showcases the unique terroir of high altitude, grey clay loam soil, and a north-facing aspect, resulting in a complex and refined wine with exceptional flavor depth and minerality.

The wine is characterized by its rich, creamy texture, balanced acidity, and flavors of ripe stone fruits, citrus, and a subtle hint of oak, all supported by a serious tannin structure that promises longevity and development.

This Chardonnay has received outstanding reviews, including 97 points from Halliday Wine Companion and 96 points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, highlighting its exceptional quality and standing among top-tier Chardonnays.

Critic Scores

97 // James Halliday's Wine Companion

"Made mainly from WA’s Gingin clone and planted in Gruyere on the same grey clay as Applejack. Whole bunches pressed into French puncheons with 20% new oak. Smells tightly wound and concentrated with aromas of ripe peach and nectarine, together with just a hint of lanolin and apple custard. Equally powerful and punchy on the palate. This has more of everything, including sprightly acid and some phenolic grip on the very long, stone-fruit pithy finish. Today, this is my pick of the 4 single-vineyard 2021 chardonnays, but who knows what will come out on top in 5 or even 10 years from now!"

96 // Robert Parker's 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.”"

95 // 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."

95 // Campbell Mattinson

"Citrus here and red apple, with pear, the citrus both pure juice and preserved. Oak spice, and custard powder characters, are so well threaded, ginger nut/biscuit aspects rising through the finish. World apart from the Tarraford; perfect pigeon pair. The longer it sat in the glass the more those complex, juicy, apple-like characters blossomed, marzipan with them, nectarines squeezed with salted lemons. This is a wine of tight, complex power, the fruit pure and commanding, the finish taut but persistent."

94 // Huon Hooke

Product Details

White

2022

Chardonnay

Giant Steps

Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia

5-10 Years

Stelvin

12.5%

750ml (Bottle)

Available for Purchase

Estimated dispatch from Warehouse: Thursday, January 02, 2025

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Description

The Giant Steps Sexton Chardonnay 2021 is a remarkable expression of Yarra Valley's unique terroir, hailing from the esteemed Sexton Vineyard situated on the steep slopes of the Warramate Ranges. With its elevation of 130-210 meters and grey clay loam soil, this vineyard produces Chardonnay with profound complexity and character. The 2021 vintage is particularly notable for its concentration and elegance, thanks to a cooler growing season that allowed for a long, slow ripening of the fruit.
On the nose, this Chardonnay presents intense aromas of citrus, white peach, and subtle hints of vanilla and oak. The palate reveals a rich, creamy texture balanced by crisp acidity, with flavors of ripe stone fruits, a touch of minerality, and a delicate oak influence. The wine underwent fermentation in French puncheons with a small portion going through malolactic fermentation, adding to its depth and complexity. Maturation for 10 months in a mix of new and used French oak has further enriched the wine, offering a structured and flavorful experience. With accolades from top critics and its ability to age gracefully, this Chardonnay is a stellar representation of the Yarra Valley’s exceptional wine-growing conditions.
Tasting Profile

Light

Full

Low Tannin

Tannic

Sweet

Dry

Low Acidity

High Acidity

Aroma:

Lemon, Vanilla, White Peach

Palate:

Creamy, Oak, Stonefruit

Food Pairings:

Fish

Poultry

Shellfish

Tasting Notes

Description

The Giant Steps Sexton Chardonnay 2021 is a remarkable expression of Yarra Valley's unique terroir, hailing from the esteemed Sexton Vineyard situated on the steep slopes of the Warramate Ranges. With its elevation of 130-210 meters and grey clay loam soil, this vineyard produces Chardonnay with profound complexity and character. The 2021 vintage is particularly notable for its concentration and elegance, thanks to a cooler growing season that allowed for a long, slow ripening of the fruit.

On the nose, this Chardonnay presents intense aromas of citrus, white peach, and subtle hints of vanilla and oak. The palate reveals a rich, creamy texture balanced by crisp acidity, with flavors of ripe stone fruits, a touch of minerality, and a delicate oak influence. The wine underwent fermentation in French puncheons with a small portion going through malolactic fermentation, adding to its depth and complexity. Maturation for 10 months in a mix of new and used French oak has further enriched the wine, offering a structured and flavorful experience. With accolades from top critics and its ability to age gracefully, this Chardonnay is a stellar representation of the Yarra Valley’s exceptional wine-growing conditions.

Tasting Profile

Light
Full

Low Tannin
Tannic

Sweet
Dry

Low Acidity
High Acidity

Aroma:

Lemon, Vanilla, White Peach

Palate:

Creamy, Oak, Stonefruit

Food Pairings:

Fish

Poultry

Shellfish

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