Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard Chardonnay 2024 12.5% 6pack 13% 750ml

Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard Chardonnay 2024 6pack  13% 750ml

TASTING NOTES

PALATE

This chardonnay is savoury, with lovely notes of lemon rind and grilled nuts.

REGION NOTES

Applejack Vineyard is a special site, located on a dramatic slope in the upper Yarra Valley and is closely planted and fastidiously managed. It was planted by respected viticulturist Ray Guerin in 1997. The basalt based underlying volcanic soil and rock produce a characteristically fine yet extended, spicy and firm palate. The higher altitude results in a cooler and extended growing season, ideally suited to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (3-4 weeks later than central Yarra Valley).

CELLARING POTENTIAL

Now-8 years.

VINIFICATION

100% handpicked and whole bunch pressed. The juice was then transferred directly to barrel by gravity with no settling, taking full lees. Wild fermented in 500L French oak puncheons. No bâtonnage. No Malolactic fermentation.

MATURATION

Maturation for 9 months in used French oak – 15% New, 85% seasoned, Mercurey, Taransaud and Dargaud & Jaeglé.

VINTAGE NOTES

The 2024 vintage was a more classic Yarra season. A cool start to Spring and ideal flowering conditions led to good fruit set and moderate yields. December was cool and mild, with significant rainfall at New Years and during the first week of January, giving the vines a good drink leading into the heat of February. Mid to late February was drier and warmer than is common in the Yarra, leading to great ripening conditions with no disease pressure and quite a fast vintage. In 2024, all of our Pinot and Chardonnay was ready in quick succession, leading to a compressed harvest - with the whole valley picked in the space of 3 weeks (where it normally spreads across 6 weeks). An exciting ride for our team, but ultimately giving us wines with great flavour, bright acidity and balance.