Giant Steps Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay 2023 (1pk)

This represents the cool-climate Yarra Valley approach to Chardonnay, which emphasises elegance and restraint over the richer, more tropical styles found in warmer Australian regions. The wild fermentation and extended lees contact create textural complexity while maintaining the variety's natural acidity. The predominantly older French oak allows the fruit to shine without overwhelming oak flavours, resulting in a wine that's more aligned with Burgundian winemaking philosophy than traditional New World approaches.

The consistent high scores (96-98 points) from diverse critics like Philip Rich, James Suckling, and Campbell Mattinson reflect the wine's technical excellence and stylistic purity. Critics particularly praised its balance between richness and freshness, with the saline minerality providing structure to the ripe fruit flavours. The wine's inclusion in James Suckling's Top 100 Wines 2024 further validates its exceptional quality and represents recognition on an international stage.

The wine's full body and nutty complexity make it ideal for rich seafood dishes like lobster thermidor or pan-seared scallops with brown butter. The saline edge complements oysters beautifully, while the textural weight can stand up to roasted chicken with herbs or creamy mushroom risotto. The balanced acidity and oak integration also make it excellent with aged hard cheeses or dishes featuring truffle elements.

The hand-picking and whole bunch pressing preserve delicate aromatics, while wild fermentation adds complexity and textural interest that cultured yeasts cannot achieve. Ageing on full lees with stirring builds the wine's creamy mouthfeel, and the touch of malolactic fermentation softens the natural acidity without compromising freshness. The nine-month maturation in predominantly older French oak allows integration without masking the pure Yarra Valley fruit expression.

While delicious now, this 2023 Chardonnay has the structure and acidity to develop beautifully over 5-8 years in proper cellar conditions. Cool-climate Chardonnays like this often show their best after 2-3 years when the oak fully integrates and tertiary flavours emerge. The wine's natural acidity and quality fruit will allow it to maintain freshness while developing honeyed and toasted nut characteristics that add complexity to the existing white peach and citrus profile.