2021 Giant Steps Equate Chardonnay 750ml

Vintage Notes
The 2021 vintage proved exceptional for vineyard quality, prompting us to launch this new project. Following a wet spring and mild summer, timely January rains fostered robust canopies. The cooler-than-average growing season extended the ripening period, resulting in thick grape skins, enhanced tannin development, natural acidity, and concentrated flavors. These factors contribute to high antioxidant properties and greater aging potential.

Vineyard Notes
Location: Gruyere
Planted: 1997
Elevation: 130 – 210 meters
Soil Type: Grey clay loam over granite/ironstone
Aspect: North-facing slopes

After 20 years of farming Sexton Vineyard, we’ve identified two exceptional blocks for this wine. Situated on the steep, north-facing slopes of the Warramate Ranges, the vineyard benefits from thin topsoil and established root systems in gravelly loams over a rocky clay base. Naturally low yields lead to intensely flavored fruit with a high skin-to-juice ratio. The 96 clone offers intense fruit, while the Mendoza clone, with its millerandage effect, contributes to high tannin and phenolic content, balancing citrus flavors. We hope you enjoy this wine as much as we enjoyed crafting it.

Winemaking
Handpicked from two consistently strong blocks: Block 2 (96 clone) and Block 12 (Mendoza clone). Grapes are meticulously sorted, refrigerated overnight, and whole bunch pressed. The juice is transferred to barrel by gravity, retaining all solids for fermentation. We use one-year seasoned 500L French puncheons, all second-fill 2020 oak (Taransaud and Mercurey). The wine undergoes primary fermentation, monthly btonnage, and natural malolactic fermentation. It matures for 11 months in barrel, one month in tank on lees, and two years in bottle.

Winery: Penfolds

Varietal(s): Pinot Gris

Size: 750mL

Country: Australia

State: Victoria

Region: Mornington Peninsula

Vintage: 2013

Alc/Vol: 13.5%

Closure Type: Screw Cap

Drinking Window: 2000 – 2050

From Steve Flamsteed’s final vintage as chief winemaker and his two favourite blocks on the Sexton vineyard. Two puncheons, 50% mlf and 12 months’ maturation in two seasoned French puncheons. With its bouquet of ripe stone fruits, mandarin, grilled cashews, fennel seed and a little gun flint, this gently broad shouldered and creamily textured wine finishes pithy and long. A hedonistic chardonnay to drink now and over the next three to four years. – 96 Points, Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion