Arthurs Creek Vineyard
Tasted the three 2012 Giant Steps single vineyard Chardonnays blind with the help of a generous friend, mostly because I wanted to see if I could pick the sites. Tarraford and Arthurs Creek were easy. The Sexton was probably as much by default as recognition.
This is the maternal member of the trinity. It’s comforting, soothing and nurturing. Plenty of peachy fruit, a touch of sweet nougat and a funky note of parmesan rind. It’s softer and rounder in the mouth than the other two with a macadamia nut creaminess about its texture. That isn’t to say that it’s blousy or lacks definition. There’s a lovely line of acid carrying the flavours with ease. I’m beginning to highly value what this vineyard offers – sometimes it is precisely what I’m after. 93
Region: Yarra Valley
Alcohol: 13.0%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $40
Tasted: July 2013
I had the pleasure of tasting these 3 wines too last night, as well as the great pleasure of dining with Tim (wine maker) and Matt with his lovely partner. The wines were fantastic and have order some from the Arthur’s Creek vineyard (Chardonnay). I enjoyed the definite citrus flavour as it hits the palate and then the smoothness as I continued to drink. It was a pleasant change from the usual buttery chardonnay I often drink. I might just chill the 2006 one I have been putting away as an excuse to compare it to the ones from last night. Thanks for a great night folks.
Happy to hear that Tony. I think Giant Steps are doing some really smart work across the board – and as you say, these aren’t buttery Chardonnays but neither are they ultra-lean. I think there’s a time and a place for Chardonnays across the spectrum but Giant Steps occupy a happy middle ground in my opinion. I’d happily place them in the upper echelon of Australian expressions of the variety.