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 2024 Circle Of Fifths Chardonnay is made from a blend of Giant Steps' single vineyard sites; namely Tarraford, Sexton, Primavera, Applejack and Bastard Hill. Made to showcase the strengths of these vineyards in one wine - this was meticulously crafted and fine-tuned over many blending sessions.
Wild fermented in French Oak Puncheons (15% new, the balance seasoned), the ferments are allowed to warm naturally, stirring daily to encourage fermentation and build texture. In 2024, 10% of the barrels went through malolactic fermentation. The result is a Yarra Valley Chardonnay of exceptional depth and character, while still retaining the trademark bright acidity and flavour.
"96 Points. An exciting new addition to the Giant Steps range, this new blend of all the single-vineyard wines is an absolute cracker and sits very comfortably in the range, both qualitatively and price-wise. Aromas of gently grilled nuts, confit lemon and a touch of struck match can all be found on the bouquet, while the palate is chalky, tensile and long. By the time this is released in June it should be singing. 12.8% alc. Drink: 2025 - 2031. $62."- Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion.
"95 Points. Here is a wine that speaks most loudly of the Yarra and secondly of its Giant Steps roots. Yellow grapefruit, winter melon and crunchy nectarine. Crumbling chalk dust, blue stone and almond paste. There is an inherent fruity jingle that chimes throughout the drinking experience, this is meant to be drunk in good humour, over the chattering and general hum of busy restaurants. A wonderful expression of Chardonnay that is for now, for merriment and for everybody. You don’t need hours to absorb its nuance and yet it is still a wine of complexity and detail. Its stretched lines of citrus juice acidity leave you hanging in wait for more. Drink now or will cellar well over another 5 -6 years. Perfect for crumbed prawns or a battered fish sando. $62. Drink: 2026 - 2031"- Shanteh Wale, Wine Pilot.
