2022 Giant Steps Tarraford Vineyard Chardonnay

Other Reviews....
The warmest site among Giant Steps' four single-vineyard chardonnays, though planted on a cool, south-facing slope in Tarrawarra. Whole-bunch pressed and barrel fermented in French puncheons (25% new) with 10% mlf. An engaging and lovely wine. Opens with subtle scents of pink grapefruit, orange blossom and coriander seeds. Builds nicely on the gently textured, saline and structured palate before finishing zesty and long. The sort of wine that begs you to take another sip. Drink 2022-2027.
97 Points
Philip Rich - James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion

Softer and more forward than other chardonnay in the suite. A warmer sub-zone, albeit, eastern facing vines. Aromas of baked apples, quince, lemon drops and orange pastilles. The oak is classy and impeccably integrated, directing a bumptious, mid-weighted palate. A subtly creamy finish. I'd be drinking this while waiting for the rest. Drink or hold.
93 Points
Ned Goodwin MW - JamesSuckling.com

Tight, fresh and saline with a citrus-driven nose and an attractively pithy palate alongside intriguing orange spritz and old-fashioned lemonade flavours. Cut with lively acidity, it has good intensity and drive. Leased for 20 years, the Chardonnay (predominantly clone P58) was planted in 1988 on cooler south- and east-facing slopes on grey clay loam. Harvested 25 February, 28 February and 6 March with the east-facing slopes the last-picked. Drink 2023 - 2028.
94 Points
Sarah Ahmed - Decanter

When we taste the Giant Steps chardonnays we usually start at the warmer of the single vineyard sites and work our way up, or to cooler sites. Two we have here. Tarraford is a leased vineyard though it’s a key member of the Giant Steps SV range.
This is a tight release, though highly textural, but what really shows through here is the fruit intensity of the year. There’s a concentration to this wine, a sense of bounty. It tastes of brine, apples, citrus and cedar, with attractive bacon and salt-like highlights, plus quartz, plus some greenery. I wrote the word ‘incredible’, which says it all. Drink 2024 - 2030+
96 Points
Campbell Mattinson - The Wine Front