2025 Giant Steps Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay

The 2025 Giant Steps Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay is a single-vineyard Chardonnay from the Sexton Vineyard at Gruyere in the Yarra Valley, planted in 1997 to a blend of Gingin and Bernard clones on north-facing slopes. The wine was fermented and matured mainly in puncheons alongside one new 1200-litre foudre. It is expressive from the outset, with aromas of stone fruits, candied ginger, grapefruit and roasted hazelnut.

The 2025 season began with a wet winter that built deep soil moisture, followed by a warm, dry spring that carried flowering and fruit set through almost untouched. Harvest arrived early and fast. That compressed vintage shows in the glass as concentration without weight: a beautifully dense mid-palate, mouth-watering acidity, and a very long, pithy finish. Philip Rich awarded it 97 points for the Halliday Wine Companion, calling it an excellent Sexton.

Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is a benchmark Yarra Valley Chardonnay and an excellent entry point to the Giant Steps single vineyard range. Serve at 10–12°C and give it 20–30 minutes in the glass when young. Drink now and over the next six to eight years. Ideal with butter-poached lobster, seared scallops, roast chicken with morels, grilled turbot or mature Comté.