Giant Steps Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2024

Yarra Valley experienced a wet December/January growing season was followed by the one of the driest February/March, these conditions usually mean an earlier harvest. In the region, pickers experienced consistently intense and relentless harvest period. These are truly extraordinary times. In spite of the physical and logistical challenges of the growing season, pickers consistently delivered grapes of outstanding quality, producing small, concentrated berries laden with intense flavour and character across the variety spectrum.

Located on the steep slopes of the Warramate Ranges (Gruyere), the Sexton Vineyard sits between 130 - 210 metres, and is one of the most revered pockets of the Valley. Being well up the Range’s north-facing slopes, topsoil is thin and root systems have established themselves in shallow gravelly loams above a tough, rocky clay base. Bunch yields set naturally low in this environment, resulting in intensely flavoured fruit with high skin to juice ratio. The clonal selection of Pinot Noir off this site includes the G5V15 clone, which responds well to the warmer conditions and sunlight exposure to produce juicy and plush wines. The Pinot Noir produced from Sexton have a lovely texture, with dark cherries and plums, sweet spice notes and youthful tannins.