An amalgam of the five Giant Steps Vineyards, this is always a good reflection of the vintage, and 2021 is one of rare elegance and intensity. White stone fruit is joined by subtle nutty and spicy notes, with a gently textured palate cushioning a line of vibrant acidity.
Tasting note
This is bright but intensely flavourful, with lifted notes of just ripe white stone fruit, nashi against a background of subtly handled winemaking, with a nutty dimension and a spicy glimmer of oak quietly supporting. There’s a lightly textural feel on the front palate, with impeccably ripe natural acidity carrying the flavours long, a stony mineral note chiming in on the finish.
Themes of this wine
Yarra Valley
The Yarra Valley, about 50 km north-east of Melbourne, is one of Australia’s premier wine regions, and one of the country’s coldest viticultural zones. The regional champions are chardonnay and pinot noir, with cabernet and shiraz in more than able support. Aside from the vinous pedigree, the Yarra is also one of the best serviced wine regions for visitors, with a wealth of cellar doors and restaurants, and ample accommodation across the price spectrum.
Chardonnay
With an explosion of interest over the last few decades, chardonnay is now the world’s most planted white grape. With its ability to grow in varied conditions and make everything from sparkling wine, to lean and mineral whites, to full-bodied textural expressions, it is perhaps no surprise to see Burgundy’s key white grape become so dominant.