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 bâtonnage 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 & Jaeglé.