2025 Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard Chardonnay 750ml

The 2025 Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard Chardonnay is a premium single-vineyard Chardonnay from Gladysdale in the Upper Yarra Valley. Planted by respected viticulturist Ray Guerin in 1997, Applejack is a dramatic, high-altitude site whose cooler conditions extend the growing season by around three to four weeks compared with the central Yarra Valley.

The vineyard sits on east-facing slopes, with grey-brown clay loam over a basalt-based volcanic foundation. This distinctive site contributes to Applejack Chardonnay's fine, firm and extended palate, while careful management of crop levels and fruit exposure helps retain even ripeness and natural acidity.

The 2025 season began with above-average winter rainfall, followed by warm and dry conditions through spring and summer. The dry growing season brought an earlier and relatively compressed harvest, with healthy fruit showing excellent concentration, freshness and natural acidity.

For the Applejack Chardonnay, the fruit is 100% hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed, with juice transferred to barrel by gravity without settling. Fermentation takes place in 500L French oak puncheons, followed by maturation for 10 months in French oak, comprising 25% new and 75% seasoned oak. No bâtonnage is used, helping maintain precision and vineyard definition.

The resulting wine is a finely detailed and savoury expression of Upper Yarra Chardonnay. Expect citrus and lemon rind alongside white peach and nectarine, complemented by subtle grilled nuts, spice and mineral notes. The palate combines concentration with vibrant acidity and a firm, finely textured structure, carrying through to a long, precise and refreshing finish.

Applejack's combination of high elevation, volcanic soils and extended ripening makes it one of the most distinctive sites in the Giant Steps single-vineyard collection. The 2025 release has the freshness and structure to drink beautifully young while developing additional savoury and textural complexity with careful cellaring.

Technical Details: Yarra Valley, Victoria | Chardonnay | Single Vineyard | 750ml | 100% Hand-Picked | Whole-Bunch Pressed | 500L French Oak Puncheons | 25% New Oak | 10 Months Oak Maturation