Giaconda Shiraz 2013

Many in the wine world have wondered why Australians took the Syrah grape and renamed it Shiraz. Some have said that the Frenchman who sold the Aussies his vines had a mouth full of grapes, so when he told them the name it sounded like "Siraathhhhh." We reckon it's because Australians hate the letter 'y.' It's just not in their vocabulary, "why grow grapes organically? Why no filtration? Why natural yeasts?" They're much more comfortable with the phrase, "why not?" Unrestricted winemakers such as Rick Kinzbrunner are unafraid to push a few envelops and in doing so make world changing wines.

The Giaconda Shiraz is a testament to the ingenuity of winemaking in Victoria; freshly turned earth, blackberries, plums and sweet Szechuan pepper create a complex aroma profile. The palate is vibrant, subtly spiced with oak notes framed by powder fine tannins. Finishes cool and focused with a graphite edge and lingering notes of violets, lavender and black pepper. A wine of elegance, balance and assurity.

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.