Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard Chardonnay 2023

Accolades:
97/100 – Decanter
96/100 – James Halliday Wine Companion
96/100 – James Suckling

“A focused, sharp line of citrus flavours and aromas is driven by clean, crisp acidity, with tightly wound lemon and sharp green apple notes propelled by measured power. The Chardonnay I10V1 vine clones from this steep, 280m-high site demand different treatment – no malolactic fermentation, no battonage of lees during fermentation in mostly older French oak barrels, then nine months’ maturation. This is just enough to add a savory rim and a hint of roasted hazelnut to the smooth palate line, without intruding on a clean, crisp finish. It’s clean, confident and assured.” – David Sly, Decanter

“Applejack vineyard was planted at Gladysdale by Ray Guerin in 1997, and only 2ha of its 11ha is planted to chardonnay. It is named for the Applejack eucalypts that surround it. Whole-bunch pressed straight to barrel with full solids and matured in mainly second use puncheons. A very bright green gold. A pure and gently reticent bouquet of stone fruits, lemon verbena and crushed rocks. The palate is tightly coiled, steely, saline and focused. A wine with excellent potential.“ – Philip Rich, James Halliday Wine Companion

“Expressive aromas of lime curd, oyster shells, white rose petals and flint. The palate is medium-bodied with vivid acidity and a creamy texture, giving notes of orange zest, chalk and Meyer lemons. Very tightly wound and energetic, with an underlying power. Excellent. Drink or hold.” – James Suckling

Vintage Note: 2023 was a small, high-quality vintage in the Yarra Valley. The season was defined by a cool Spring, a mild growing season, cool nights, and medium to high rainfall. 2023 was one of the coolest and latest harvests on record, with our first pick starting two and a half weeks later than the previous average. The grapes in 2023 had lovely fruit concentration with bright natural acidities. The mild summer meant long, slow ripening and flavour concentration throughout summer, with some well-placed rain in January refreshing the vineyards at just the right time. The strong canopies and low fruit load meant we sailed neatly into picking with very little disease or weather pressure affecting our picking decisions. The grapes from 2022 came off the vine with lovely concentration and flavour and great natural acidity.

Winemaking Notes: 100% handpicked and whole bunch pressed. The juice was then transferred directly to barrel by gravity with no settling, taking full lees. Wild fermented in 500L French oak puncheons. No bâtonnage. No Malolactic fermentation. Maturation for 9 months in used French oak – 25% 2nd use, 75% seasoned, Mercurey, Taransaud and Dargaud & Jaeglé.

Alcohol: 13.0%

Variety: Chardonnay

Region: Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia