2023 Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard Chardonnay

Other Reviews....
Applejack vineyard was planted at Gladysdale by Ray Guerin in 1997, and only 2ha of its 11ha is planted to chardonnay. It is named for the Applejack eucalypts that surround it. Whole-bunch pressed straight to barrel with full solids and matured in mainly second use puncheons. A very bright green gold. A pure and gently reticent bouquet of stone fruits, lemon verbena and crushed rocks. The palate is tightly coiled, steely, saline and focused. A wine with excellent potential. Drink 2025-2032.
96 Points
Philip Rich - James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion

A focused, sharp line of citrus flavours and aromas is driven by clean, crisp acidity, with tightly wound lemon and sharp green apple notes propelled by measured power. The Chardonnay I10V1 vine clones from this steep, 280m-high site demand different treatment – no malolactic fermentation, no battonage of lees during fermentation in mostly older French oak barrels, then nine months’ maturation. This is just enough to add a savory rim and a hint of roasted hazelnut to the smooth palate line, without intruding on a clean, crisp finish. It’s clean, confident and assured. Drink 2024 - 2032.
97 Points
David Sly - Decanter

Anything Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir can do, Applejack Chardonnay can do just as well. This is a ripping chardonnay. It has fruit power up its sleeve and in its wrist bands and everywhere else. And yet it’s tight. And stony. Shot with white peach. And run with apple, sweet cedar, brine and the wet leaves of a lemon tree. There’s some dare to the acidity but it brings flavour with it; it took the risk and it turned out, the reward was worth it. This is an advanced level wine. You drink it, and you know all you need to know. Drink 2025 - 2030+
96 Points
Campbell Mattinson - The Wine Front

The Applejack vineyard is 1.8ha of Chardonnay, a blend of southern and northern slopes within its east facing site. No battonage and no malolactic fermentation. This vintage is highly aromatic in florals of billy buttons, sunflower and bee pollen. A touch of dandelion, peach stone and mandarin oil. Acidity reaches the zenith whilst the back palate offers shortbread, marzipan and hazelnut paste. I adore the originality of this wine, its showing off its more elevated site whilst an intriguing aromatic profile shines through. Drink now or will cellar well for 5 years. A wine that could handle a rich carbonara or cheesy cauliflower bake.
96 Points
Shanteh Wale - WinePilot.com