Yarra Valley based vigneron, Phil Sexton lives with his family in the middle of their 80 acre vineyard established on the high north face of the Warramate Ranges in the dress circle of the Yarra Valley. Specialising in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Giant Steps explore site, micro climatic and clonal differences between several specialized vineyards in the Yarra Valley including their own multi-clonal vineyard and the highly regarded Tarraford vineyard. Focused intently upon reflecting the individual and unique characteristics of each single vineyard, Giant Steps adopts a minimalist approach to winemaking including, whenever possible, vinification using indigenous yeasts and gravity flow transfers.

Blended exclusively from Giant Steps single sites in similar proportions, Circle of Fifths wines bring together the character of each vineyard in one harmonious expression. They capture the strengths of each unique sites into one wine, coming together to tell a new story.

A blend of equal portions of all the Giant Steps single-vineyard wines. With its aromas of white nectarine, lemon verbena, a little cashew and attractive marine scents, this is immediately appealing. On the palate it's concentrated with grapefruit pith and lemony acidity on the long finish. A class act to drink now and over the next four to six years. Date: Feb 2026; Alcohol: 13%; Price: $62.00; Drink by: 2030; Rating: 96 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion

The fast-paced, early vintage of 2024 served as something of a dress rehearsal for the Yarra Valley in 2025—and the team at Giant Steps were ready. On the nose, the wine is initially restrained, almost bashful, but with a few confident swirls it reveals an intensity of fruit layered with seashell, powdered sandstone and lemon pith. The palate unfurls with white nectarine, yellow plum and starfruit, while pumice and sandy foreshore minerals ripple through, lending a distinctly maritime edge. There’s a striking precision here—lemon skin, citrus pulp and a white pineapple core held in a fine, tensile line. It speaks clearly of its own terra firma, remarkable considering the blend of site that it is and another compelling addition for Chardonnay devotees following Giant Steps. Serve with angel hair pasta and vongole for a pairing that mirrors its saline, coastal energy. Date: July 2026; Rating: 96 Points; Shanteh Wale; Wine Pilot