2023 Giaconda Estate Roussanne
Australia's greatest example of Roussane comes from the leaders of Victorian winemaking. This special estate bottling was grown on Giaconda's amphitheatre block. It shows that Australian Roussanne can produce an opulently layered, complex white that compares with the finest cuvee's of the Northern Rhone. Waxy and savoury dimensions are complemented by exotic fruit and spice. A compelling and extremely rare white, the Giaconda Roussanne is a must-try!
Due to tiny quantities, this wine will need to be allocated.
Grape
Roussanne
Its Origins
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. After returning to Australia in 1980 to take up a position as assistant winemaker at Brown Brothers in Milawa, Rick purchased land in the nearby Beechworth wine region - at the foothills of the beautiful North-East Victorian Alps. Planting commenced in 1982 and the property is now devoted solely to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz. A separate planting of Nebbiolo has also been established close to the Beechworth township at Red Hill. Total area under vines at the Giaconda Estate Vineyard is now 4 hectares. Annual wine production is approximately 2,500 dozen bottles. Rick’s son Nathan Kinzbrunner also works full time at Giaconda and has done so since the 2007 vintage. Since 2018 we are now fully certified organic by the Bio Dynamic Research Institute (BDRI).
What The Critics Say
96/100 Halliday's Wine Companion, Jeni Port
"A grape transformed, roussanne sets its own course deep into serious wine territory under the guidance of Rick and Nathan Kinzbrunner. The fuller-bodied variety requires full ripeness and it gets it, eliciting scents embracing the floral and the rich in apricot, yellow peach, citrus, baked pear and spice with a whisper of green almond. Complexity ensues on a palate that is texturally inviting, like crushed velvet on the tongue. Roussanne brings base notes in beeswax, canelé, apple and Asian pear lifted by higher-pitched florals, including the herbal with a lingering savoury, waxy note. Moves with ease against a backbone of fresh-cut acid with a hint of tannic grip. Magical." Drink 2025 - 2037
95/100 Parker's Wine Advocate Erin Larkin
"The 2023 Estate Vineyard Roussanne leads with white and yellow flowers, lanolin, churned butter and soft pear jalousie. In the mouth, the chalky phenolic shape pulls the fruit on course, and this is assisted by the splay of saline acidity through the middle palate and finish. While this has a tropical aroma about it, the palate tells a different story. A beautiful follow-on from last year's iteration, this is a little tighter and a little more focused. 13.8% alcohol, sealed under screw cap." Drink 2025 - 2035
94/100 The Wine Front, Gary Walsh
"“Don’t drink it very cold, it shines when warm.” says Rick Kinzbrunner. The cool damp vintage has done this grape variety no harm at all, indeed, it may well have done it a good turn. Complex and engaging, and specifically, I like the core of flint and bright acidity it offers, to counterbalance the richness and spice on offer here. I’m thinking green pear and apple, honey and floral perfume, a flicker of aniseed, ginger and fresh cut yellow nectarine, a subtle stuck match adds further interest. It’s juicy and flavoursome, but so well-balanced, a honeyed richness cut back by citrus acidity, and the finish is long, quite nutty and saline, with a tangerine tang to close. A righteous expression of Roussanne. Such energy and poise. Terrific. As an aside, if you can’t get your hands on the Chardonnay, this certainly gives you a flavour of the estate." Drink 2025 - 2033
| Variety | Chardonnay |
|---|---|
| Region | Victoria |
| Closure | Cap |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Alcohol | 13.80% |
| Maturity | 2025 - 2037 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
We deliver throughout New Zealand and to some locations overseas. Our deliveries are made by trusted third party carriers. For further details on prices and delivery options please go to DELIVERY INFORMATION section of our site.
If for any reason you are not entirely happy with your order or you suspect that they may be affected by a quality issue, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will remedy the problem straight away. Contact us on 0800 422 767.
