Giant Steps
Yarra Valley Chardonnay
Yarra Valley, Port Phillip, Victoria, Australia
Brief notes - this is the standard Chardonnay - the individual Cuvées are more expensive. This was most impressive for the standard, reflecting the excellent vintage in most parts of Australia including the Yarra Valley. Citrus more than stone fruit. Easy to drink.
Brief notes - this is the standard Chardonnay - the individual Cuvées are more expensive. This was most impressive for the standard, reflecting the excellent vintage in most parts of Australia including the Yarra Valley. Citrus more than stone fruit. Easy to drink.
May 20th, 2024
This wine has relaxed significantly since I last tasted it 9 months ago. Straight up burg in a glass - outstanding on every level. Clearly, we need to buy and hold these.
This wine has relaxed significantly since I last tasted it 9 months ago. Straight up burg in a glass - outstanding on every level. Clearly, we need to buy and hold these.
Jan 15th, 2023This is almost an instant replay of the 19 vintage, just that it took 24 hrs to get there.
Yesterday, I found it to be too sharp, and in need of cheese/food. After 24hrs, it’s still riveting, but in a much more controlled manner. Citrus fruits dominate, along with a flinty mid-palate. In the less than $30 bracket, this is tough to better. Additionally, based on its presentation, I would expect this to further improve over the next 15 or so years. Australia at its very best.
This is almost an instant replay of the 19 vintage, just that it took 24 hrs to get there.
Yesterday, I found it to be too sharp, and in need of cheese/food. After 24hrs, it’s still riveting, but in a much more controlled manner. Citrus fruits dominate, along with a flinty mid-palate. In the less than $30 bracket, this is tough to better. Additionally, based on its presentation, I would expect this to further improve over the next 15 or so years. Australia at its very best.
Nose presents nothing but citrus fruits. Palate is piercing, riveting and focused. Nothing like the typical Aussie chard. Finishes almost bone dry like a tense Chablis. Brilliant effort from my convict friends.
Nose presents nothing but citrus fruits. Palate is piercing, riveting and focused. Nothing like the typical Aussie chard. Finishes almost bone dry like a tense Chablis. Brilliant effort from my convict friends.
Aug 2nd, 2021The Entry Level Chardonnay from Giant Steps in a very good vintage in the Yarra Valley. Smoky notes with some struck match. Oak comes through on the palate more than the bouquet with butterscotch flavours but not overdone. M minus acid with M Intensity. Drink up to 5 years. The individual paddock Chardonnays will be something special on this showing. Had another 22 weeks later with consistent notes. Good intensity for an entry level Chardonnay.
The Entry Level Chardonnay from Giant Steps in a very good vintage in the Yarra Valley. Smoky notes with some struck match. Oak comes through on the palate more than the bouquet with butterscotch flavours but not overdone. M minus acid with M Intensity. Drink up to 5 years. The individual paddock Chardonnays will be something special on this showing. Had another 22 weeks later with consistent notes. Good intensity for an entry level Chardonnay.
Mar 27th, 2018
JL Australian tasting 3/30/17. Biodynamic practices. Minerals and floral with excellent balance and complexity and long length. Just hints of oak that's well integrated. Impressive. $25.
JL Australian tasting 3/30/17. Biodynamic practices. Minerals and floral with excellent balance and complexity and long length. Just hints of oak that's well integrated. Impressive. $25.
2 people found it helpfulMar 30th, 2017
Nose: Brie, blue cheese, white chocolate with a hint of settled flint.
Palate: Dry yet lingering citrus.
Nose: Brie, blue cheese, white chocolate with a hint of settled flint.
Palate: Dry yet lingering citrus.
Screwcap.
A riveting example of an Aussie chard. This could have come from Chablis with its piercing citrus notes on the nose. The palate displays a welcomed, distinct lack of oak, allowing the apples and minerality to shine thru. It presents as zippy and to an extent, lean. The palate finishes with limes, tension and bright acidity. All in all, outstanding.
Screwcap.
A riveting example of an Aussie chard. This could have come from Chablis with its piercing citrus notes on the nose. The palate displays a welcomed, distinct lack of oak, allowing the apples and minerality to shine thru. It presents as zippy and to an extent, lean. The palate finishes with limes, tension and bright acidity. All in all, outstanding.
Nice minerality and well balanced. An attractive richness.
Nice minerality and well balanced. An attractive richness.
Jun 20th, 2017