Giant Steps have launched their revamped tasting room in the heart of Healesville in the Yarra Valley, where this new release Chardonnay is available for tasting and purchase. As for the wine, this is from blocks 2 (70%) and 12 (30%) from the original Sexton vineyard in the Gruyere region, these blocks continually produce quality fruit for GS. A blend of 70% ’96’ clone and 30% Mendoza clone, with winemaking seeing whole bunch pressing and gravity filled to a barrel selection (one year old seasoned 500L French puncheons on full solids, all second fill 2020 oak) After primary fermentation, the wine was bâtonnaged/lees stirred each month and went through natural malolactic fermentation with maturation for 11 months in barrel, before 1 month on lees in the tank and then 2 years in bottle.  Mel Chester is winemaker in charge.

Giant Steps, Equate, Chardonnay, Yarra Valley, 2021

Pale lemon hue. Hyper fragrant, layered and oozing class. Light savoury wafer nuances, Jersey caramel, light ghee, peanut oil, grapefruit, apple skin, gun flint, roast chicken skin and a touch of earthy white stones. Understated power, with incredible presence and length. Bursts from the blocks with immediate balance supported by fine texture and beautiful fruit. Future classic. 

RRP: $120
Alc: 13.5%
Rating: 96/100

Wine courtesy of Giant Steps and Liquid Ideas