Giant Steps' 2025 Yarra Valley Chardonnay brings together Upper and Lower Yarra fruit, balancing bright Chardonnay fruit and vibrant acidity with restrained French oak and full-lees complexity. The producer reports that 50% of the fruit comes from the Upper Yarra ranges; the Halliday review separately describes an even split between Upper and Lower Yarra fruit from estate vineyards and growers.
Tasting Notes
Colour: Brightly coloured, as described in the published Halliday assessment.
Nose: White nectarine and lemon verbena lead, with flinty and salted-almond complexity.
Palate: Bright Chardonnay fruit is lifted by vibrant acidity, giving freshness and energy. Restrained French oak and full-lees handling add savoury texture and depth.
Finish: Fresh and acid-led, with a subtle flinty edge and lingering salted-almond character.
Winemaking
The fruit was whole-bunch pressed, either directly to barrel or to tank before immediate transfer to barrel with full solids. It was wild-fermented in French oak puncheons, 19% new and the balance seasoned. Ferments warmed naturally and were stirred daily. Ten per cent of barrels underwent malolactic fermentation in 2025. After fermentation the wine was sulphured and held reductively on full lees, without stirring, until blending and bottling in November 2025.
Vineyard and Vintage Conditions
Fruit was sourced across the Yarra Valley, with 50% from the Upper Yarra ranges. The producer reports 100% hand-picking and hand-sorting in the vineyard, followed by overnight chilling to 4°C before pressing.
The 2025 season began with a wet winter, followed by a warm, dry spring and early shoot growth. Flowering and fruit set were favourable. The dry growing season remained barely warmer than average, and harvest was earlier than usual and compressed.
Serving and Pairing
Enjoy lightly chilled at around 10–12°C with grilled seafood, roast chicken or creamy mushroom dishes.
Reviews
“An even split of Upper and lower Yarra fruit; both estate grown and from growers. 20% new oak. Brightly coloured. An immediate and attractive bouquet of white nectarine, lemon verbena, a little flint and salted almonds. Brightly fruited, with vibrant acidity that gives the wine freshness and energy. Drink now and over the next three to four years.”
95 Points - Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion, March 2026
