Giant Steps was established in 1997 by Phil Sexton in Yarra Valley, one of Australia's premier cool-climate regions. The Applejack Vineyard represents one of the winery's core single-vineyard sites, selected for its ability to express the elegance and complexity demanded by the producer's philosophy. Yarra Valley's maritime-influenced climate and alluvial soils provide ideal conditions for Chardonnay cultivation. The 2024 vintage benefited from temperate growing conditions and optimal ripening windows typical of the Valley's cooler microclimate, which favours the development of crisp acidity and refined stone-fruit characteristics essential to Giant Steps' house style.

Fruit was hand-selected and carefully pressed to capture the Applejack vineyard's singular character. Fermentation occurred in temperature-controlled conditions, with a proportion undertaken in French oak to build textural complexity without overwhelming the wine's natural acidity. The resulting wine was matured on lees, allowing gradual development of secondary flavours whilst maintaining freshness. Bottling occurred after careful assessment of wine development, releasing a Chardonnay marked by purity and site-specific expressiveness.