Giaconda Estate Shiraz 2014

Giaconda vineyard was established by Rick Kinzbrunner, a mechanical engineer who became interested in wine in the early 1970's. Rick then spent the next ten years working in the industry, travelling and following his passion for wine. After a brief stint in New Zealand, he studied at Davis University in California and worked at some of the most respected wineries in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys (namely Stag's Leap, Simi and Matanzas Creek). In Europe he worked for the Moueix group in Bordeaux, co-owner of the fabled Chateau Petrus.

Rick’s son Nathan Kinzbrunner works full time at Giaconda and has done so since the 2007 vintage. His responsibilities include Assistant Winemaker and General Business Manager. Nathan also owns and manages a single hectare planting of Nebbiolo located at 'Red Hill' in Beechworth which produces fruit made under the Giaconda label.

"Destemmed and crushed fruit, with some whole bunches, is wild-fermented in large concrete tanks, remaining on skins for an extended period before being basket-pressed and transferred to French oak (40% new) for 2 years maturation. Deep, bright colour; this challenges Giaconda's Chardonnay (don't get into a lather, it doesn't quite succeed) for top ranking in the stable; it has an utterly seductive mouthfeel with two strands of flavour welded together: the first black cherry and blackberry, the second peppery/savoury/spicy notes. To say it is elegant is to use a cliche, because it is at the ultimate peak of elegance." James Halliday 98 Points