95 Points James Halliday — Yarra Valley Chardonnay Built for Now and the Cellar

My Wine Man on Giant Steps. Giant Steps is one of the Yarra Valley's most dynamic and respected wine producers — founded in 1997 by Phil Sexton, a man with a clear vision for what cool-climate Yarra Valley Chardonnay and Pinot Noir could achieve. The estate farms multiple vineyards across both the upper and lower Yarra Valley, blending fruit from different elevations and aspects to create wines of genuine complexity and regional character. The 2024 vintage continues this tradition with a wine that James Halliday described as having balance that is “absolutely spot on.”

Tasting Notes

Bright pale gold in the glass, with a nose that is fleshy, inviting, and immediately appealing. Stone fruit — white peach and nectarine — sits at the core, with pink grapefruit, light citrus, and a subtle creamy thread adding complexity and lift. The palate is approachable and gentle — generous expressive fruit, fresh well-integrated acidity, and balance between richness and freshness that is, as Halliday noted, “absolutely spot on.” An even split of upper and lower Yarra fruit gives the wine a layered complexity that belies its approachability. 95 Points — James Halliday.

Food Pairing

The stone fruit generosity and perfectly balanced acidity of the 2024 Giant Steps Yarra Valley Chardonnay make it a superb match for Bare Bird Premium Free-Range Whole Boneless Butterflied Chicken from My Meat Man — roasted with tarragon and a splash of white wine or spatchcocked and grilled over charcoal, the clean flavourful free-range chicken is a magnificent match for the wine's creamy texture and fresh Yarra Valley acidity.

Why This Is a Smart Buy

At HK$239, the 2024 Giant Steps Yarra Valley Chardonnay is a 95-point cool-climate Chardonnay from one of the Yarra Valley's most respected producers — at a price that makes it an outstanding everyday premium option. Genuine critical recognition, regional character, and the rare combination of immediate drinkability and cellaring potential.

Looking for a Different Style?

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