Giant Steps Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2022 12.5% 6x75cl (Halliday 95 points)

95 points James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion

James Halliday's Winery of the Year 2024

An elegant, refined and delicate Chardonnay that is also surprisingly voluptuous.

A benchmark cool-climate Chardonnay from the Yarra Valley, showcasing purity, balance, and complexity. 2022 was a high-quality but low-yielding vintage in the Yarra Valley. The mild summer meant long, slow ripening and flavour concentration, with some well-placed rain in January refreshing the vineyards at just the right time. 

It is light, bright green-gold in the glass, reflecting its cool-climate origins and youthful vibrancy. The nose is pure and expressive, showing classic Yarra Valley characters of fresh melon, intense citrus, and just-ripened orchard and stone fruits such as peach and nectarine. Notes of pink grapefruit, orange blossom, and subtle floral hints are joined by touches of almond, marzipan, and hazelnut.

The palate is elegant and refined, with a fruit-driven profile of citrus, just-ripe stone fruits, melon, and a hint of nectarine. There is a pronounced mineral streak and a creamy texture, underpinned by crisp, Chablis-esque acidity that gives the wine vibrancy and length. Delicate nuttiness and subtle oak influence (from 15% new French oak) contribute to the wine’s texture.

The finish is long, clean, and refreshing, with lingering notes of citrus and almond.

An elegant, refined and delicate Chardonnay that is also surprisingly voluptuous. The nose shows classic Yarra characters of fresh melon and intense citrus flavours, underpinned with notes of marzipan and hazelnut. Crisp acidity ensures a refreshing, clean finish.