2024 Giant Steps Circle of Fifths Chardonnay, Yarra Valley

An exciting new addition to the Giant Steps range, this new blend of all the single-vineyard wines is an absolute cracker and sits very comfortably in the range, both qualitatively and price-wise. Aromas of gently grilled nuts, confit lemon and a touch of struck match can all be found on the bouquet, while the palate is chalky, tensile and long. By the time this is released in June it should be singing.

96 points Special Value Philip Rich winecompanion.com.au

Giant Steps Circle of Fifths Chardonnay is a refined, small-batch white wine from the Yarra Valley that showcases purity, precision and the expressive nuance of a specific vineyard block. This cuvée forms part of the winery’s musically inspired micro-lot series, with the Circle of Fifths concept evoking balance, harmony and structure — qualities that are mirrored in the wine itself.

Sourced from high-altitude sites on the cooler Upper Yarra side, the Chardonnay is hand harvested from a select parcel, often from the Sexton or Wombat Creek vineyard depending on the vintage. The fruit is whole bunch pressed directly to French oak barrels (about 20 percent new), where fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts. The wine undergoes full malolactic conversion and rests on lees for around 10 months, with minimal stirring to preserve tension and texture.

The nose opens with citrus blossom, lemon curd, white peach and struck flint, with subtle notes of almond and wet stone. The palate is tightly wound and linear, offering grapefruit, nectarine, saline minerality and a whisper of toasty oak. There’s a remarkable acid spine and an elegant chalky finish that gives the wine drive and longevity.

Food pairing: ideal with grilled scallops, lemon chicken, seafood pasta, goats cheese tart or roast cauliflower. Also excellent with crab salad or tempura vegetables.

Cellar potential: delicious in its youth for its precision and freshness but will evolve beautifully over 8 to 10 years, gaining creamy depth and savoury complexity.