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Anthony Gismondi on Wine
Giant Steps Chardonnaytext
92POINTS
17/20

Giant Steps Chardonnay 2021

Yarra Valley, Victoria, AustraliaThe Yarra Valley chardonnay comes from five sites: Sexton, Tarraford, Applejack, Primavera, and Wombat Creek Vineyards. It is hard to believe it could get better than last year, but it is, and alcohol is down an entire point to 12.5 percent. The vintage was large and of high quality. The overall temperature during the growing season was lower than average, which led to a long, slow ripening period and a significant concentration of flavours and natural acidity. The result is a high-quality white with mealy, leesy notes, bright apricot, and lemon rush through the finish. Rich in a Grand Cru way but not overpowering. Outstanding value. Food possibilities are endless, including these winery suggestions: fish tacos with coriander, chilli and avocado salsa, grilled eggplant with tomato relish, salad with grilled goat cheese on croutons, roast crispy skin chicken with preserved lemon and roast garlic. It is all hand-picked, chilled overnight to 12C, then whole-bunch-pressed, fermented on total juice solids with wild yeast in 500L French puncheons (15% new) for eight months. No lees were stirred, and only 10% of the blend underwent spontaneous malolactic fermentation.Tasted: 04 March 2022Tasted by: Prices:
BC$42.99750mlBCLS
AB$40.00750mlselect private wine shops
SK$50.00750mlselect private retailers
QC$50.00750mlselect private retailers
Producer: Giant Steps WineDistributors: Summit Fine Wines
Grape: ChardonnayCSPC: 89610UPC: 9351105000107