95 Points
94 Points
94 Points

Giant Steps Wombat Creek Chardonnay 2022

SKU: GSWC202210 UCNZ

$94.99

Unit price: per

Sourced from the highest altitude vineyard in the Yarra Valley, the Wombat Creek Vineyard at 410 meters, the 2022 Chardonnay benefits from cool climate conditions and volcanic loam soils, resulting in a wine with distinct minerality and elegance.

Crafted with precision, the Chardonnay underwent whole bunch pressing and fermentation in 500L French puncheons, with a nuanced approach to malolactic fermentation. The wine’s maturation in 15% new oak and 85% older barrels enhances its complexity and texture.

Garnering exceptional ratings—95 points from Aaron Brasher, 94 points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, and 94 points from James Suckling—the 2022 Wombat Creek Chardonnay is celebrated for its balance, depth, and potential for aging.

Critic Scores

95 // Aaron Brasher

"Youthful and lively in the glass. Complex aromas of grapefruit, melon skin, mineral and just-ripe stone fruit, teaming nicely with a mealy nuttiness. Focused and precise on the palate. Up front, there’s a core of citrus and nectarine at play, then a swift punch of minerally acidity kicks in and keeps all taut and fine. Plenty of texture and lovely mouth-feel. A very complete wine."

94 // Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"This Wombat Creek Vineyard is farmed organically and is at the top of the mountain in Gladysdale, Yarra Valley (420 meters in elevation). In cool years such as 2022, organic management can be challenging, but the vineyard is on the way to certification. The 2022 Applejack Vineyard Chardonnay ended up being just half the volume of the Wombat Creek Vineyard (four puncheons, which is nothing new, as opposed to eight puncheons in the Applejack) and was taken out of oak four weeks earlier than the other cuvées. Only one of these Wombat Creek puncheons went through malolactic fermentation (i.e., 25% overall). The 2022 Wombat Creek Vineyard Chardonnay leads with a dusty, rocky, spicy nose layered with sandalwood, lemongrass, lemon pith and brine. In the mouth, the wine is tense and full; it’s loaded with flavor and texture. The phenolics have a glassy texture through the mid-palate onward, and the vineyard is planted to I10V1 with a little bit of clone 76. This is a lovely wine. It is fleshy and sapid. 12.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap."

94 // James Suckling

"Discreet and a little more subdued than its siblings. The highest vineyard in the Yarra. Despite being gently mid-weighted with lower alcohol, this feels softer and looser at the seams, while still typically intense. Bitter almond, lemon zest, nectarine and pistachio accents roll across a skein of tangerine freshness and cinnamon oak. Oatmeal lees at the core. The finish is exceptionally long and effusive of energy. Drinkable now, but best from 2025."

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: Wednesday, January 08, 2025

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Description

The Giant Steps Wombat Creek Chardonnay 2022 is a distinguished expression of Yarra Valley's unique terroir, hailing from the highest altitude vineyard in the region. At 410 meters above sea level, the Wombat Creek Vineyard’s volcanic loam soil and cool climate create ideal conditions for crafting a Chardonnay with both depth and finesse.
The 2022 vintage reflects a challenging yet rewarding growing season characterized by a cool and wet spring followed by a dry summer, leading to smaller, more concentrated bunches. The wine displays intense aromas of lime leaf, lemon verbena, and white flowers, offering a complex and inviting nose. On the palate, it reveals rich flavors of citrus, stone fruits, and a subtle minerality, with a texture enhanced by 10 months of maturation in a mix of new and used French oak. The integration of bâtonnage and a partial malolactic fermentation adds layers of complexity and a creamy mouthfeel, making this Chardonnay both refined and expressive. The 2022 Wombat Creek is a testament to the vineyard’s unique character and the careful craftsmanship of Giant Steps, promising both immediate enjoyment and further development over the coming years.
Tasting Profile

Light

Full

Low Tannin

Tannic

Sweet

Dry

Low Acidity

High Acidity

Aroma:

Floral, Lime, Stonefruit

Palate:

Lemon Zest, Mineral, Nectarine

Food Pairings:

Cheese

Fish

Poultry

Tasting Notes

Description

The Giant Steps Wombat Creek Chardonnay 2022 is a distinguished expression of Yarra Valley's unique terroir, hailing from the highest altitude vineyard in the region. At 410 meters above sea level, the Wombat Creek Vineyard’s volcanic loam soil and cool climate create ideal conditions for crafting a Chardonnay with both depth and finesse.

The 2022 vintage reflects a challenging yet rewarding growing season characterized by a cool and wet spring followed by a dry summer, leading to smaller, more concentrated bunches. The wine displays intense aromas of lime leaf, lemon verbena, and white flowers, offering a complex and inviting nose. On the palate, it reveals rich flavors of citrus, stone fruits, and a subtle minerality, with a texture enhanced by 10 months of maturation in a mix of new and used French oak. The integration of bâtonnage and a partial malolactic fermentation adds layers of complexity and a creamy mouthfeel, making this Chardonnay both refined and expressive. The 2022 Wombat Creek is a testament to the vineyard’s unique character and the careful craftsmanship of Giant Steps, promising both immediate enjoyment and further development over the coming years.

Tasting Profile

Light
Full

Low Tannin
Tannic

Sweet
Dry

Low Acidity
High Acidity

Aroma:

Floral, Lime, Stonefruit

Palate:

Lemon Zest, Mineral, Nectarine

Food Pairings:

Cheese

Fish

Poultry

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