Giaconda Estate Warner Shiraz 2018

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.

"A combination of whole bunches and de-stemmed, crushed fruit is transferred to large concrete tanks for fermentation. Basket pressed to French oak (up to 40% new) for ageing. The winemaker believes the '18 sits at the very top of recent Warner shiraz releases. It's certainly a beauty, and hard to resist broaching now, such is its complexity and integration. A confident, gently expressive young shiraz. Middle Eastern spices, tilled earth, bay leaf, Damson plum, light herbals, dark brooding berries. Warm and inviting, there's a lick of savouriness on the palate that lifts and catches the tastebuds' attention. That's when the fun starts. This wine takes you places. Close your eyes ..."  Jeni Port 96 Points- Wine Companion