Personalised Giant Steps Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay 2020 14% 1.5L

Personalised Giant Steps Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay 2020 14% 1.5L

2021 was a terrific vintage for both vineyard quality and quantity. We had a wet spring followed by a healthy amount of sunshine and some well-timed rain in January, leading to large green healthy canopies. The overall temperature during the growing season was cooler than average which led to a long slow ripening period and great concentration of flavours and natural acidity. 

Located on the steep north facing slopes of the Warramate Ranges, the Sexton Vineyard is our premium Chardonnay Vineyard. Being on the higher slopes, topsoil is thin and root systems have established themselves in shallow gravelly loams above a tough rocky clay base. Bunch yields set naturally low in this environment, resulting in intensely flavoured fruit with high skin to juice ratio.

100% hand picked – a spectacular year with every block and clone contributing to the final blend. Whole bunch pressed, juice transferred to barrel by gravity with no settling. Fermented in 500L French puncheons. A small amount of bâtonnage and 20% malolactic fermentation. Maturation for 10 months in new and used French oak – 20% new, 80% older, Taransaud, Mercurey and D&J.

Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Yarra Valley
Winemaker: Phil Sexton