Giaconda Warners Vineyard Shiraz 2010
Giaconda vineyard, established by Rick Kinzbrunner, a mechanical engineer with a passion for wine, is located in the picturesque Beechworth wine region at the foothills of the North-East Victorian Alps. The estate is dedicated to producing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz, with a separate planting of Nebbiolo. The vineyard, managed sustainably with a strong environmental focus, is fully certified organic since 2018. The unique climate, influenced by the surrounding alpine valleys and an altitude of over 400 meters, contributes to the distinct characteristics of the wines. The vineyard benefits from a relatively cool south-facing slope for Chardonnay and a warm north-facing exposure for Shiraz, each carefully selected to optimize flavour complexity. The 450-million-year-old granitic loam soil, combined with the climate conditions, results in lower yields that are naturally regulated, contributing to the high quality of the wine. The estate's wine-making process is natural and subtle, focusing on balance and allowing the terroir and vintage characteristics to shine through. Indigenous yeasts, natural bacteria, French oak barrel aging, minimal sulfur additions, and no filtration before bottling are key elements of their hand-crafted approach. Giaconda's dedication to quality is evident in their meticulous wine-making process, which includes gravity flow operations, hand-picked fruit and extended skin contact for red wines. The wines are aged in French oak for almost two years in a granite maturation cave, ensuring optimal conditions for fermentation and aging. The commitment to preserving the natural characteristics of the grapes and the unique terroir is a testament to Giaconda's pursuit of producing exceptional wines through sustainable and environmentally conscious practices.
Warner Vineyard Shiraz is grown on a slightly higher elevation, 6.5km from the Beechworth township on ancient granite soils typical of the general area. These vines are also planted on a warm north-facing exposure. The wine is tank fermented and then tansferred to French oak (approximately 30% new) and aged for 22 months, deep underground in a granite maturation cave.
Elegant and tightly focused, this dusty, faintly herbal shiraz has the length and structure to flesh out nicely. Its retrained smoky and floral bouquet of dark berries, cherries, plums and cedar/chocolate oak is lifted by a meaty presence of animal hide and ethereal, musky spices. Long and supple, with a retrained presence of vibrant, faintly sour-edged fruit, it finishes with a gentle extract, fresh acids and a lingering fruitfulness. - Jeremy Oliver, 94 Points.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - Beechworth, Victoria
Vintage - 2010
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.3%