96+ 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. Named 'Winery Of The Year' in the 2025 Halliday Wine Companion, Giant Steps continues to produce some stunning cool-climate wines.
The 2025 Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard Chardonnay is produced from the famed Applejack vineyard of Gladysale in the Upper Yarra Valley. Renowned for its tension, mineral drive, and intense cool-climate focus, the 2025 vintage is already drawing plenty of hight accolades.
"96+ Points. While this is a little richer than the '24, all the hallmarks of this vineyard are still here. Light stone fruits, lemon, white flowers and a little flint. The palate is equally restrained, with a lovely fine vein of acidity that runs through the wine. Finishes long and precise. An Applejack that can be enjoyed now and over the next 5-7 years. Screw cap. 13% alc. Drink: 2026 - 2032. $95"- Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion 2027.
"96 Points. It’s difficult to imagine a more perfect Yarra Valley Chardonnay. It’s just simply gorgeous. It’s pure, silken, shot-through with flavour, tense, whispered with flint and just so wonderfully persistent. There’s an oyster-shell element to this; it feels highly controlled and itching to go wild at the same time. It’s a party in a suit, waiting for the formalities to be over. Give it a couple of years in the cellar and it will be fundamentally great. $95, 13% alcohol, screwcap, Yarra Valley"- Campbell Mattinson, campbellmattinson.com.
