Coming Soon - 2024 Giant Steps Sexton 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.

Planted in 1997 on the steep north-facing slopes of the Warramate Ranges in Gruyere, Sexton Vineyard sits between 130 - 210m elevation. The shallow gravelly loam over a rocky clay base naturally limits yields, producing concentrated fruit from predominantly Gingin and Mendoza clones. Fruit was 100% handpicked and whole-bunch pressed, with juice transferred by gravity to 500L French oak puncheons. Fermentation occurred with wild yeasts on full lees, followed by a small amount of bâtonnage and 10% malolactic fermentation. The wine matured for nine months in French oak, 15% new and 85% seasoned.
Alc. 13.2%

Other Reviews....
The 2024 Chardonnay Sexton is more pithy and open-knit. It delivers generous nectarine and musky peach skin aromas, with subtle flint and nougat-scented French oak. This is a flavorsome style, more expansive, expressive and fleshy than the other single vineyard wines from 2024, which is to its advantage, before softening on the finish. Drink 2026 - 2032.
93 Points
Angus Hughson - Antonio Galloni's Vinous

A blend of Gingin and Bernard clones planted in '97 between 100 and 200m in Gruyere. 20% new oak and 10% mlf. Another salivating and seductive Sexton Chardonnay with its bouquet of stone fruits, preserved lemons, freshly ground coffee beans and roasted hazelnut. The beautifully balanced and tightly coiled palate is underpinned by its concentration and intensity. Finishes saline and extremely long. It's all here and needs another five to seven years, at least, to reach its zenith. Drink 2025 - 2033.
97 Points
Philip Rich - Halliday's Australian Wine Companion

Smallest volume make in some time. Finer than the Tarraford.
Gentle reduction, stonefruit, brine, ginger, river-stones and a dry, almost salty feel on the finish. Gentle infusion of mango skin and citrus but juicy and fine throughout. There’s so much finesse to this release. There’s fantastic intensity to the fruit too; just when you think it’s finished it keeps on throwing punches. The small make has added, it would seem, to both the power and to the length here. This is a sensational Sexton chardonnay. Drink 2026 - 2032+
96 Points
Campbell Mattinson - The Wine Front