2024 Giant Steps Sexton Chardonnay, Yarra Valley

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.

97 points Special Value Philip Rich winecompanion.com.au

Very light, very youthful colour; there are toasty nutty aromas with definite oak barrel overtones; the palate is rich yet refined, subtle and undeveloped, insistent citrusy fruit and acidity carrying the palate tensioned, refined and quite long. A superb chardonnay of great fruit purity and potential, lovely to drink now but with so much more to show us given the time. 11 Dec 2025 Drink 2026–2039

96 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

Giant Steps Sexton Chardonnay from the Yarra Valley is one of Australia’s most consistently brilliant single vineyard Chardonnays, a wine that helped cement Giant Steps’ reputation as a benchmark producer for cool climate whites. The Sexton Vineyard sits in the Upper Yarra, planted on deep grey clay loams that naturally limit vigour and produce fruit with intensity, line and mineral drive. Cool nights and a long ripening season preserve acidity and aromatic precision, while meticulous viticulture ensures balance and concentration. Winemaking is detailed but restrained: hand picked fruit, whole bunch pressing, wild fermentation in French oak and extended lees ageing, all carefully managed to express site rather than winemaking gloss.

The aromatics are layered and compelling. White peach, nectarine and lemon curd lead, followed by citrus blossom and fresh pear. There is a distinctive struck flint and wet stone character that has become a hallmark of Sexton, sitting alongside subtle notes of almond meal, cashew and gentle brioche from lees contact. With air, hints of ginger spice and chamomile emerge, adding nuance and depth.

The palate is powerful yet impeccably controlled. Stone fruit and citrus glide across a creamy but tightly coiled mid palate, supported by bright, linear acidity that gives the wine energy and precision. Flavours of peach skin, grapefruit pith, nougat and fine spice build slowly, finishing long and mineral with a saline edge that speaks clearly of the vineyard. The balance between richness and restraint is exceptional. While impressive now, this wine rewards patience, evolving over eight to twelve years into layers of toasted nuts, honey, savoury spice and deeper complexity.

Superb with roast chicken, butter poached lobster, scallops, grilled fish, mushroom dishes or aged soft cheeses. Sexton Chardonnay is a modern Australian classic, combining confidence, purity and unmistakable Yarra Valley character.