Giant Steps Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay 2020 750ml

A cool start to the season was punctuated by a few solid rain events in December that resulted in very large healthy green vineyard canopies. The final stage of the growing season was warmer than average which led to accelerated ripening, but the natural acids in all the chardonnay blocks was surprisingly high. Fruit was hand sorted in both vineyard and winery. 

94 Points - Wine Enthusiast

This single vineyard beauty, from a restrained and acid-driven Chardonnay vintage in the Yarra Valley, leads with reductive flint and nut characters. They're woven in with more delicate aromas like stone fruit, waxy lemon, white spice, orchard blossoms and wet stones. Toasty oak is there too, but it's well tucked. The mouthfeel is beautifully balanced, with prickly, citrusy acidity and supportive oak. Precise yet still characterful, this is an excellent, food friendly example of modern Aussie Chard.

94 points – Wine Enthusiast

Described as "a single-vineyard beauty" from a restrained, acid-driven Chardonnay vintage in the Yarra Valley. It leads with reductive flint and nut characters, layered with delicate aromas of stone fruit, waxy lemon, white spice, orchard blossoms, and wet stones. Toasty oak is present but well integrated, and the mouthfeel is beautifully balanced, with prickly, citrusy acidity and supportive oak. The wine is precise yet still characterful, making it an excellent, food-friendly example of modern Australian Chardonnay. 

95 points – Wine Spectator

Praised for its incredible vibrancy and concentration, with core flavors of orange sherbet, lemon curd, and ruby grapefruit. The finish features fresh-grated ginger, lemon thyme, and salted melon. The recommendation:  Vinous

94 points – Vinous

A vivid straw-yellow wine. Aromas include mineral-accented citrus pith, pear nectar, white peach, and iodine, with subtle fennel and jasmine notes. On the palate, it's subtly chewy and focused, offering intense orchard and citrus fruit flavors complemented by marzipan, buttered toast flourishes, and a very long, smoky finish with a spicy ginger note and building florality. 

96 points – James Suckling

Described as an expressive wine with aromas of preserved lemons, lime zest, flint, and river stones. The palate is medium-bodied, showing bright acidity, creamy texture, and flavors of orchard fruit, grapefruit, yellow apples, and pastry—striking a good balance of power and finesse. 

95 points – Decanter

Use of measured oak highlights the intrinsic complexity of this single vineyard wine. It offers flavors of lemon, apple, and melon, underpinned by a strong mineral backbone, firm acidity, and honeyed richness. It also suggests good ageing potential.