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Anthony Gismondi on Wine
Giant Steps Chardonnaytext
91POINTS
16¾/20

Giant Steps Chardonnay 2020

Yarra Valley, Victoria, AustraliaThis is entirely Yarra Valley chardonnay, blending fruit from Sexton, Tarraford, and Applejack Vineyards. It begins at a pleasant alcohol level of 13.5 percent. The vintage was iffy across most of Oz. Still, in the Yarra, lower yields thanks to tight, small bunches resulted in naturally high acidity and overflowing bright flavours of melons drenched in citrus. It is rich in a Grand Cru way but not overpowering. Food possibilities are endless, but some winery suggestions I love are: soft shell crab Bao, with fresh coriander and bean shoots; grilled fresh goats curd and olive tapenade on grilled sourdough; and fresh rocket salad, roast crispy skin baby chicken, preserved lemon and roast garlic; or finely aged Pecorino cheese drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. It is all hand picked, chilled overnight to 12C, whole bunch pressed, fermented on full juice solids with wild yeast in 500L French puncheons (10% new) for 8 months. There is no stirring of the lees, and only 20% of the blend underwent spontaneous malolactic fermentation.Tasted: 12 June 2021Tasted by: Anthony GismondiPrices:
BC$42.99750mlBCLS - May 2021
AB$33.99750mlselect private wine shops
ON$29.95750mlLimited - Summit Fine Wine
QC$40.00750mlLimited - Summit Fine Wine
Producer: Giant Steps WineDistributors: Summit Fine Wines
Grape: ChardonnayCSPC: 89610UPC: 9351105000107