Giant Steps Chardonnay 'Sexton Vineyard' Yarra Valley, Australia 2021

2021 Giant Steps Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay The Wine Advocate RP 96 Reviewed by: Erin Larkin Release Price: NA Drink Date: 2022 - 2032 This is made with fruit from the Sexton Vineyard, at 200 meters in altitude (80 meters higher than Tarraford). Within the vineyard, the clones are dominated by Gingin (brought over to Victoria by Phil Sexton), followed by Dijon clones, planted in the 1990s. The 2021 Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay is composed of 60% Gingin. Twenty percent of the parcels went through malolactic fermentation—clone 277 and some of the 96. This is salty as anything—a very good thing in my book—and the sheer intensity of flavor in the mouth is mouthwatering. Preserved lemon and grapefruit pith lace the edges of the mid-palate. Very smart—it has the Yarra precision of acid and streamlined phenolics, but it brings concentration of flavor and thrilling phenolics. Super smart wine. Chief winemaker Steve Flamsteed (a.k.a. Flamo, to most) has been at Gian