2022 Giaconda Beechworth Shiraz

Established in 1982 by Rick Kinzbrunner, Giaconda Vineyard has since become one of the most sought-after producers in Australia. The property is now devoted solely to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz, with a separate planting of Nebbiolo in the township of Red Hill. Red wines see extended maceration on skins to develop finer tannins, with maturation taking place in French Oak barrels for up to 24 months. The wines are only ever moved via gravity or gas, retaining all the pristine fruit that they work so hard to produce in the winery and the vineyard.

Since the 2021 vintage Giaconda has introduced a fresh winemaking approach and style characterized by more depth and tannin, resulting in a heightened level of complexity and refinement on the palate. This new Shiraz undergoes maturation in a blend of both new and seasoned small French oak barrels, as well as large 1600L French oak casks. Additionally, it experiences an extended 10-month maceration period on the grape skins within Spanish terracotta amphorae. Expect notes of briar and forest floor, Chinese five spice, roasted beetroot, and raspberry licorice. It boasts generous fruit and an exotic spice profile, supported by a robust tannin structure that promises graceful aging.
Alc. 13.8%

Other Reviews....
A wine that unfurls gloriously in slow motion – what a lovely shiraz ride. Aromatic aromas hold your attention long and unwaveringly: dark plum, blackberry, wild bramble, raspberry leaf, aniseed, allspice, pepper, sage. Still a youngster with layer upon layer yet to fully explore. Sapid fine tannins drive the long palate with plenty of herb, spice and flecks of savouriness filling out the breadth of concentrated fruit flavour and beautifully woven oak. Discipline will be needed to cellar it for as long as it deserves. Drink 2024 - 2038.
97 Points
Jeni Port - Halliday's Australian Wine Companion

This is labelled as ‘Beechworth Shiraz’, and comes from the Warner Vineyard and Estate plantings. I reckon I still have a few bottles of the 2004 Estate Shiraz (screwcap I think), and wonder how that’s travelling now. Maybe time to find out!
Rich, sweet dark fruit, damp earth and biscuit spice, lots of praline too, all that hazelnut and chocolate is a thing, also some cool mint and floral perfume. Medium to full-bodied, sweet uptake of plum and cherry, and again that hazelnut chocolate theme is repeated on the palate, tannin is fine-grained, and kind of sooty, there’s also clay and petrichor, and the finish is long and packed with choc-mint richness. Love the feel of the tannin, though as a young wine, it’s kind of ebullient in fruit richness. Time should be kind to it. Drink 2026 - 2036+
95+ Points
Gary Walsh - The Wine Front