Coming Soon - 2024 Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard Chardonnay

Founded in 1997 by Phil Sexton, Giant Steps has become one of Australia’s most celebrated cool-climate producers. With a focus on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the wines are crafted to reflect their individual vineyard sites, from Tarrawarra to Gladysdale. Today, under the guidance of Head of Winemaking Melanie Chester, Giant Steps continues its legacy of expressive, site-driven wines defined by purity, finesse, and a profound sense of place.

Perched on the steep, volcanic slopes of Gladysdale at 220–320m elevation, Applejack Vineyard is one of the Yarra Valley’s most dramatic and meticulously farmed sites. Planted in 1997 by viticulturist Ray Guerin, its grey clay loam over basalt produces Chardonnay with tension, spice, and length. Handpicked fruit was whole-bunch pressed to French oak puncheons and clay egg for wild fermentation, before nine months’ maturation in a mix of French oak puncheons (10% new oak) and a 675 litre clay egg vessel.
Alc. 13.3%

Other Reviews....
The 2024 Chardonnay Applejack is a charmer, multi-layered with a natural, unforced feel that reveals aromas of citrus pith, apple skin and pear with a subtle lining of French oak. Gunflint reduction and excellent volume of flavour lend a stony tension, while a touch of continental deli delivers a savoury character. Crystalline acidity drives the lengthy and nutty close as a nice touch of grip emerges on the finish. Drink 2026 - 2033.
94 Points
Angus Hughson - Antonio Galloni's Vinous

Applejack vineyard was planted at Gladysdale by Ray Guerin in '97, and only 2ha of its 11ha are planted to chardonnay. Fermented and matured in both puncheons and ceramic eggs (30%). This is all about purity and precision with its aromas of white stone fruits, crushed rocks and a little white nougat. The palate is, as you'd expect, tightly coiled, waiting to unwind. Saline and long. Along with the Bastard Hill, this will need some time to become more open and expressive. Drink 2025 - 2032.
96 Points
Philip Rich - Halliday's Australian Wine Companion

Small volume, 30% ceramic egg.
Reserved, powerful, super complex nose, smoky, spicy, citrus oils and juice, into stonefruit, into an earthen aspect. This is for the cellar and this is super. Aftertaste brings grapefruit and apple skins, texture, mineral, stones. Outstanding Applejack Chardonnay. Intense and pure but with layers of character. Reserved power. One of the most characterful Applejack chardonnays I’ve tasted. No new oak. It’s not exaggerated or in your face but this just has all the extras. Drink 2026 - 2032+
97 Points
Campbell Mattinson - The Wine Front