2023 Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard Chardonnay 750ml

Vintage Notes:
The 2023 vintage in the Yarra Valley was small but of exceptional quality, marked by a cool spring, mild growing conditions, and moderate to high rainfall. It was one of the coolest and latest harvests on record, with picking starting two and a half weeks later than usual. The grapes developed excellent fruit concentration and vibrant natural acidity. The mild summer allowed for slow ripening, leading to deep flavors, while timely January rain refreshed the vines. Strong canopies and low fruit yields led to a healthy harvest with minimal disease or weather challenges.

Vineyard Notes:
Location: Gladysdale
Planted: 1997
Elevation: 220-320 meters
Soil: Grey clay loam over basalt volcanic base
Aspect: East-facing slopes

Applejack Vineyard, located on steep slopes in the upper Yarra Valley, is meticulously managed and was established by Ray Guerin in 1997. The volcanic soil imparts a distinctive, spicy, and firm palate to the wine, while the elevated position results in a cooler, longer growing season, particularly suited to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Chardonnay from this site requires careful management to ensure even ripeness and balanced acidity, yielding a wine with savory notes of lemon rind and grilled nuts.

Winemaking:
The grapes are 100% handpicked and whole bunch pressed, with the juice transferred directly to barrel by gravity, keeping the full lees. It undergoes wild fermentation in 500L French oak puncheons, without btonnage or malolactic fermentation. The wine is matured for 9 months in French oak, with 25% second-use barrels and 75% seasoned barrels from Mercurey, Taransaud, and Dargaud & Jaegl.

Applejack vineyard was planted at Gladysdale by Ray Guerin in 1997, and only 2ha of its 11ha is planted to chardonnay. It is named for the Applejack eucalypts that surround it. Whole-bunch pressed straight to barrel with full solids and matured in mainly second use puncheons. A very bright green gold. A pure and gently reticent bouquet of stone fruits, lemon verbena and crushed rocks. The palate is tightly coiled, steely, saline and focused. A wine with excellent potential. – 96 Points, Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion