Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay

Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay

2023 Chardonnay

Yarra Valley, Victoria

$90.00
    2024 James Halliday Chardonnay + Cabernet Challenge
    Gold Medal
    Halliday Wine Companion
    "Made from a 50/50% blend of Gingin and Bernard clones planted between 100 and 200m in Gruyere. Whole-bunch pressed to French puncheons (25% new oak) with 15% mlf. Right now, this is the most salivating and seductive of Giant Step's superb array of single-vineyard chardonnays from '23. Perfectly ripened white peach, pear and some marine scents lead onto the palate, which is gently textured, saline and structured. The finish is energetic, nutty and long." - Philip Rich
    97 points, July 2024.

    Wine Details

    • Region Yarra Valley, Victoria
    • Vintage 2023
    • Type White Wine
    • Variety Chardonnay
    • Volume 750ml
    • Alcohol Volume 13.5%
    • PH

      3.13

    • Acidity

      7.5g/L

    • Closure ScrewCap
    • Bottling Date

      March, 2023

    • Harvest Date

      November, 2023

    • Background

      Single Vineyard

    • Vintage Notes

      2023 was a small, high-quality vintage in the Yarra Valley. The season was defined by a cool Spring, a mild growing season, cool nights, and medium to high rainfall. 2023 was one of the coolest and latest harvests on record, with our first pick starting two and a half weeks later than the previous average. The grapes in 2023 had lovely fruit concentration with bright natural acidities.

    • Vineyard Notes

      Location: Gruyere Planted: 1997 Elevation: 130 - 210 metres Soil Type: Grey clay loam over granite / ironstone Aspect: North facing slopes Size: 30 Hectares Located on the steep north facing slopes of the Warramate Ranges, the Sexton Vineyard is an icon Chardonnay Vineyard. Being on the higher 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. This vineyard produces our most confident and open chardonnays due to it’s northern aspect and exposure and clonal selection. The exotic fruits of yuzu, ginger snap biscuit and preserve lemon give a wine of energy and drive, finished with a lovely texture from the characteristic Gingin tannins and acidity.

    • Winemaking

      100% handpicked and whole bunch pressed. The juice is transferred to barrel by gravity with no settling, taking on full lees. Wild Fermented in 500L French puncheons. A small amount of bâtonnage post fermentation and 20% malolactic fermentation. Maturation for 9 months in new and used French oak – 15% new, 85% seasoned, Taransaud, Mercurey and Dargaud & Jaeglé.

    • Peak Drinking / Cellaring Potential

      Now - eight years

    2024 James Halliday Chardonnay + Cabernet Challenge
    Gold Medal
    Halliday Wine Companion
    "Made from a 50/50% blend of Gingin and Bernard clones planted between 100 and 200m in Gruyere. Whole-bunch pressed to French puncheons (25% new oak) with 15% mlf. Right now, this is the most salivating and seductive of Giant Step's superb array of single-vineyard chardonnays from '23. Perfectly ripened white peach, pear and some marine scents lead onto the palate, which is gently textured, saline and structured. The finish is energetic, nutty and long." - Philip Rich
    97 points, July 2024.

    Wine Details

    • Region Yarra Valley, Victoria
    • Vintage 2023
    • Type White Wine
    • Variety Chardonnay
    • Volume 750ml
    • Alcohol Volume 13.5%
    • PH

      3.13

    • Acidity

      7.5g/L

    • Closure ScrewCap
    • Bottling Date

      March, 2023

    • Harvest Date

      November, 2023

    • Background

      Single Vineyard

    • Vintage Notes

      2023 was a small, high-quality vintage in the Yarra Valley. The season was defined by a cool Spring, a mild growing season, cool nights, and medium to high rainfall. 2023 was one of the coolest and latest harvests on record, with our first pick starting two and a half weeks later than the previous average. The grapes in 2023 had lovely fruit concentration with bright natural acidities.

    • Vineyard Notes

      Location: Gruyere Planted: 1997 Elevation: 130 - 210 metres Soil Type: Grey clay loam over granite / ironstone Aspect: North facing slopes Size: 30 Hectares Located on the steep north facing slopes of the Warramate Ranges, the Sexton Vineyard is an icon Chardonnay Vineyard. Being on the higher 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. This vineyard produces our most confident and open chardonnays due to it’s northern aspect and exposure and clonal selection. The exotic fruits of yuzu, ginger snap biscuit and preserve lemon give a wine of energy and drive, finished with a lovely texture from the characteristic Gingin tannins and acidity.

    • Winemaking

      100% handpicked and whole bunch pressed. The juice is transferred to barrel by gravity with no settling, taking on full lees. Wild Fermented in 500L French puncheons. A small amount of bâtonnage post fermentation and 20% malolactic fermentation. Maturation for 9 months in new and used French oak – 15% new, 85% seasoned, Taransaud, Mercurey and Dargaud & Jaeglé.

    • Peak Drinking / Cellaring Potential

      Now - eight years

    Kind Words & Accolades