Giant Steps Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay 2023

Sexton Vineyard is a unique and highly respected vineyard located in the Yarra Valley, Victoria. Situated on the steep slopes of the Warramate Ranges, alongside the vineyards of iconic Yarra producers Yarra Yering and Coldstream Hills, it is one of the most revered pockets of the Valley. The vineyard is located in Gruyere and has an elevation of 130-210 meters with a north-facing aspect. The vineyard spans across 30 hectares and was planted in 1997, with a soil type of grey clay loam. The Sexton Vineyard is a unique terroir, with a tough, rocky clay base and shallow gravelly loams, resulting in naturally low bunch yields. The topsoil is thin and root systems have established themselves in shallow gravelly loams above a tough, rocky clay base. This environment produces intensely flavored fruit with high skin to juice ratio. The predominant clones used in the vineyard are GinGin and Mendoza, which produce hens and chickens (large and small grapes on the same bunch), resulting in high white tannin and phenolic content to balance the citrus flavors. The unique terroir of the Sexton Vineyard, with its tough, rocky clay base and shallow gravelly loams, results in wines that are highly sought after and respected. The vineyard produces wines that are both complex and delicious, with a balance of acidity and fruit flavors.