2024 Giant Steps Applejack Chardonnay, Yarra Valley

Very light straw colour and the aroma is subdued and shy, a little butter shortbread and croissant coming through, pear and custard apple on palate too. The palate is much more forthcoming, with intensity and verve, the acidity crisp and invigorating, the finish cleansing, satisfying and super-long. A superb chardonnay which has a rosy future if cellared. 11 Dec 2025 Drink 2025–2038

96 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

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.

96 points Philip Rich winecompanion.com.au

Giant Steps Applejack Chardonnay from the Yarra Valley is a beautifully refined single vineyard wine that showcases the cooler, elevated heart of the Upper Yarra with clarity and quiet confidence. The Applejack Vineyard sits high above the valley floor, where cold nights, frequent cloud cover and free draining grey clay soils naturally produce Chardonnay with tension, perfume and finely etched structure. Giant Steps treat this fruit with meticulous care: hand harvesting, whole bunch pressing, wild fermentation in French oak and extended lees ageing, all handled with restraint to let the vineyard speak rather than the cellar.

The aromatics are pure and layered rather than overtly showy. White peach, nectarine and lemon curd lead, followed by green apple, citrus blossom and subtle pear skin. A gentle struck flint and wet stone character underpins the fruit, while almond meal, cashew and faint brioche notes emerge with air, reflecting thoughtful oak and lees work without any heaviness.

The palate is precise, linear and quietly powerful. Stone fruit and citrus glide through a creamy yet tightly coiled mid palate, framed by bright, chalky acidity that gives the wine energy and length. Flavours of peach skin, grapefruit pith, nougat and subtle spice build slowly before resolving into a long, mineral driven finish with a saline edge. The balance between texture and freshness is seamless. While already compelling, this Chardonnay will reward patience over seven to ten years, gaining savoury complexity, toasted nut notes and deeper harmony.

A natural partner for roast chicken, grilled fish, scallops, lobster, mushroom dishes or soft, aged cheeses. Applejack Chardonnay is a confident expression of site driven Yarra Valley Chardonnay, elegant, detailed and built to age.