Wine Critics:
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SKUID: S006223
Giant Steps 'Sexton Vineyard' Chardonnay 2023
Vintage Character
The 2023 Giant Steps 'Sexton Vineyard' Chardonnay came from a slow Yarra Valley season rather than the rapid finish of 2024. Giant Steps reports a cool, mild spring with heavy rain in October and November, making early vineyard work demanding. Summer brought timely showers and periods of warmth, while cool nights protected natural acidity. Chardonnay picking began on 1 March, about two weeks later than average. The estate describes fruit arriving with concentrated flavour and sugar in balance with acidity. For Sexton's exposed slope, the long, steady ripening gives both expressive fruit and the firm line needed to carry its texture.
Tasting Profile & Food Pairing
Sexton Vineyard lies at Gruyere on steep, north-facing slopes of the Warramate Ranges. Thin gravelly topsoil sits over a rocky clay base, and the vineyard's Gingin and Mendoza Chardonnay clones can give small and large berries within the same bunch. The result is confident, open Chardonnay with citrus drive and a phenolic, lightly grippy finish, at 13.5% alcohol. Preserved lemon, yuzu and a hint of spice give a more precise picture than a generic buttery Chardonnay, with white peach and lees texture beneath. The 2023 wine is generous yet energetic, and suits roast chicken, seared scallops or fish with a restrained cream sauce.
Winery Background
Phil Sexton established Giant Steps in 1997 to reveal the Yarra Valley's potential for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, while Melanie Chester now leads its winemaking. Sexton is one of the estate's defining single vineyards, separate from its regional blend and the multi-site Circle of Fifths. The producer hand-picks fruit and favours whole-bunch pressing and native fermentation for its Chardonnay range, then uses French oak and lees to build texture. This bottle's identity is the meeting of that particular north-facing site with the delayed, cool-night 2023 growing season.
The 2023 Giant Steps 'Sexton Vineyard' Chardonnay came from a slow Yarra Valley season rather than the rapid finish of 2024. Giant Steps reports a cool, mild spring with heavy rain in October and November, making early vineyard work demanding. Summer brought timely showers and periods of warmth, while cool nights protected natural acidity. Chardonnay picking began on 1 March, about two weeks later than average. The estate describes fruit arriving with concentrated flavour and sugar in balance with acidity. For Sexton's exposed slope, the long, steady ripening gives both expressive fruit and the firm line needed to carry its texture.
Tasting Profile & Food Pairing
Sexton Vineyard lies at Gruyere on steep, north-facing slopes of the Warramate Ranges. Thin gravelly topsoil sits over a rocky clay base, and the vineyard's Gingin and Mendoza Chardonnay clones can give small and large berries within the same bunch. The result is confident, open Chardonnay with citrus drive and a phenolic, lightly grippy finish, at 13.5% alcohol. Preserved lemon, yuzu and a hint of spice give a more precise picture than a generic buttery Chardonnay, with white peach and lees texture beneath. The 2023 wine is generous yet energetic, and suits roast chicken, seared scallops or fish with a restrained cream sauce.
Winery Background
Phil Sexton established Giant Steps in 1997 to reveal the Yarra Valley's potential for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, while Melanie Chester now leads its winemaking. Sexton is one of the estate's defining single vineyards, separate from its regional blend and the multi-site Circle of Fifths. The producer hand-picks fruit and favours whole-bunch pressing and native fermentation for its Chardonnay range, then uses French oak and lees to build texture. This bottle's identity is the meeting of that particular north-facing site with the delayed, cool-night 2023 growing season.
Product details
Wine TypeWhite
WineryGiant Steps
Grape VarietiesChardonnay
WinemakerMelanie Chester
CountryAustralia
Expert Rating—
RegionVictoria
SweetnessDry
Sub-regionYarra Valley
Alcohol Level13.5
Classification (Ranking)—
Format750ml
Prices
Omtis Fine Wine
Standard delivery 2-5 working days
Vinobuzz Delivery
HK$525
HK$525