WINE > Giant Steps, Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay 2022 (95/100 points)

Giant Steps make some sensational wines, predominately Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (though there are also some excellent other varietals). The Sexton Vineyard vines were planted in 1997 based on clones from the iconic Leeuwin Estate in Margaret River by founder Phil Sexton. Over the last twenty seven years the wines just continue to get better.

The Sexton vineyard terroir is mostly shallow clay loam over granite and ironstone. The vines sit between 130 metres and 200 metres on a north facing slope. But it is a relatively large vineyard (30 hectares) and the soil does vary from one side to the next. Pinot Noir has also been planted here and delivers excellent results.

The Tasting

A fabulous chardonnay, lots of fruit, spice and body. This is a wine with structure and complexity that is exciting in the glass. I get pears first up in the glass, there is some citrus too but it is gentle and definitely not overwhelming. Hints of vanilla and sweet nougat.

Made from a 50/50% blend of Gingin and Bernard (or Dijon, as it’s often referred to) clones planted on north-facing soil in Gruyere. Whole bunches pressed to French puncheons, 20% new oak. A bright green gold. The most immediate of the four single-vineyard chardonnays from Giant Steps in 2022. Perfectly ripened white peach and apricot aromas with scents of German spiced biscuits and a little flint. Textured with good intensity, this silky wine flows effortlessly across the palate.”

Philip Rich Wine Companion 96/100 (19th June 2023)

The 2022 Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay offers notes of toasted almond meal, stone fruit, brine and citrus peel, with a deeper undercurrent of sandalwood and exotic spice. There are also notes of cut fennel, some ginger and loads of salted nuts. This is a lovely wine. It is big and powerful. This has plenty of phenolics to shape the wine through the finish and linger after the wine has gone. 13% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Drink 2023-2042.

Erin Larkin – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate 96+ points