2023 Giant Steps Tarraford Vineyard Chardonnay 750ml

The 2023 Giant Steps Tarraford Vineyard Chardonnay is a refined single-vineyard expression from Tarrawarra in Victoria’s Yarra Valley. The Tarraford Vineyard was planted in 1988 and sits at approximately 100 metres elevation on grey clay-loam soils. Its protected position and cooler Chardonnay slopes help produce wines noted for pithy fruit, savoury saline character, texture and naturally driven acidity.

The 2023 vintage was one of the coolest and latest harvests on record in the Yarra Valley. A cool spring, mild growing season and cool nights allowed a long, slow ripening period, resulting in a small but high-quality crop with excellent fruit concentration and bright natural acidity.

The fruit was 100% hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed, with the juice transferred directly to barrel by gravity without settling and with full lees. Fermentation took place in 500L French oak puncheons, followed by 20% malolactic fermentation. The wine was matured for nine months in French oak, comprising just 10% new oak and 90% seasoned barrels, keeping the oak influence restrained while building texture and complexity.

Aromatically expressive, the wine shows stone fruit, yellow apple and citrus alongside subtle saline and mineral notes. The palate combines generous fruit and a smooth, chalky texture with vibrant acidity, grapefruit-pith freshness and a savoury edge. The finish is long, precise and beautifully balanced, delivering both immediate appeal and the structure for further bottle development.

The 2023 Tarraford Vineyard Chardonnay received 97 points from Philip Rich for Halliday Wine Companion. Giant Steps suggests a drinking and cellaring window of now to approximately eight years.

Technical Details: 13.5% Alcohol | Yarra Valley, Victoria | Chardonnay | Single Vineyard | Screwcap