95 Points - Philip Rich
Giant Steps has forged a reputation as one of the Yarra Valley's leading wineries, with their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay consistently among the nation's finest examples. A product of a high quality but low yielding vintage, the 2022 Giant Steps Chardonnay is made from grapes grown on five estate vineyards throughout the Yarra Valley.
This is again an incredibly delicious Yarra Valley Chardonnay packed with white peach, fresh melons flavours and a citrus edge, supported by well integrated, quality French oak (90% old). A perennial favourite, this new release is sure to again be hugely popular.
"95 Points. An even split of upper and lower Yarra fruit. Whole-bunched pressed and wild fermented in 15% new French puncheons. Around 5% mlf. A light, bright green gold. Pure fruited with an attractive nose of just ripened orchard and stone fruits, pink grapefruit and orange blossom. A hint of matchstick and just-baked ginger snaps. Concentrated and lithe at the same time, Giant Step's calling card is just as good, if not better than the super 2021 release. 12.5% alc. Drink by 2027. Screwcap"- Philip Rich, winecompanion.com.au.
"94 Points. A blend of the individual vineyard releases - Sexton, Tarraford, Applejack, Primavera and Wombat Creek - with a little more input besides. It gets “the Rolls Royce treatment” and then it’s blended to become this. Grilled almonds and peaches with wet stones and runs of citrus. Beautiful (creamy) texture, flavour and composure. The elegance of this, the exotic wet stone notes, the smoky push on the finish. It’s all pretty much into wow territory. This is a gorgeous release, essence of chardonnay, scores schmores, buy and drink. Tasted: Jun23. 12.5% alc. $48 Screwcap Drink: 2023 - 2030"- Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front.