On reflection, its more a New Australian leaning- these wines reflect the direction that higher end Chardonnays in Australia are headed.
Those of you that know me, know that I love the Giant Steps wines. Everything they have released in the last few years have been spectacular reflecting the place, the quality of the vines and the tender loving care shown to them by Ryan Collins, their Viticulturalist and Chief Winemaker, Steve Flamsteed. One taste of any of the Single Vineyard releases and I’m sure you’ll agree, there all different but all winners.
I believe all the wines are produced from the Gingin clone, its origins are unknown but its home is Margaret River (cool climate region) with extensive plantings there, especially at Vasse Felix which produces exceptional Chardonnay’s.
“One of the main features of [GinGin] is it has millerandage, or ‘hen and chick’, ” says Virginia Willcock, winemaker at Vasse Felix, of its irregularly sized fruit. While some winemakers think there’s a virus infection in GinGin that causes millerandage, Willcock doesn’t care. She believes it results in high-quality wines. Source: https://www.winemag.com/2020/05/04/chardonnay-clones-matter/
Sexton Vineyards Chardonnay 2020
The nose is dominated by aromas of Almonds, ginger and citrus with hints of white stone fruit and a promise of things to come.
The palate is lean with beautiful balance, restraint and elegance. Impressive layers of lemon, ginger, saline and orange peel work together well with secondary notes of almond and subtle spices. Different from Margaret River Chard’s but definitely an old world leaning with lively acidity. On reflection, its more a New Australian leaning- this is the direction the higher end Chardonnays are headed in Australia. Impressive length on the finish. Will cellar out 10 years without a problem, if your patient. Pair with Shellfish, white seafood- Brim, Bass or Barramundi or any lighter chicken dish. I would steer clear of tomato-based sauces.
Applejack Vineyard Chardonnay 2020
The vineyard was named after the Applejack eucalypts that surround the vineyard and which was planted in 1997.
Nose is more citrus and floral notes with apples, white peach and spices buried beneath.
Palate is more-lively with layers of citrus, green apple, orange peel, white stone fruits and subtle spices. Same elegance, balance and depth and complexity with a silky mouthfeel balanced by acidity. Again, impressive length on the finish. Pair with Shellfish, white seafood- Brim, Bass, Sole or Barramundi or any lighter chicken dish. Again, steer clear of tomato-based sauces.
Wombat Creek Vineyard Chardonnay 2020
This is the oldest vineyard planted in 1988 with the highest elevation in Yarra Valley and the coolest and most southerly location of all the single vineyard releases which all contribute to making this an impressive Chardonnay showing depth, complexity and finesse from the first sip.
The nose is intoxicating with aromas of apples, peach and just a hint of musk, almond and spices. Musk isn’t common in the US but has sweet floral almost rose like scent and is used in high end Perfumes and Australian candy- delicious.
The palate has a silky smooth, almost creamy mouthfeel balanced with acidity and impressive structure and power through to the end. Oak is evident but not obtrusive framing wonderful layers of crisp red apples, white stone peach, vanilla with subtle spices on a long finish.
All of these Chardonnay’s will cellar out 10 years. If I had to choose a favorite, the Wombat Creek wins by a nose but all are an absolute pleasure to drink.
Pair with Shellfish, white seafood listed above or any of your favorite chicken dishes. Again, steer clear of tomato-based sauces. Enjoy these awesome wines.
Vine to Table 