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.

The 2022 Estate Vineyard Roussanne marks the inaugural release of this cuvee, and it is evident upon tasting the wine that it is a worthy addition to the Estate Vineyard range. Somewhat golden in the glass and leading with an incredibly spicy nose, there is white pear and gum leaves, a hint of the "Giaconda campfire" character (big fan of it), cracked fennel seeds and green apple skins, with white pepper and layers of brine. On the palate, the true nature of Roussanne is revealed; it is waxy and wide, texturally plump and a little chewy, with layered phenolics and lashings of flavor. The acidity is tight and laces the finish into a tight spear of tension and complexity. This is a brilliant wine, one of the very best Roussannes that Australia has to offer the world of wine. 13.8% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Date: May 2024; Drink: 2024-2032; Rating: 96 Points; Erin Larkin; Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate

Let's hear it for roussanne! The under-rated brilliance of the grape in Australia is surely finally put to rest with this stunning '22 release. Yes, it's that good. Pear, beeswax, apple, yellow peach aromas warmly imbued with a spiced apple richness. There's a real sense of class with roussanne's deeper fruit and oak notes (brioche, beeswax, pear, apple) beautifully lifted by acacia and jasmine florals and spice. Takes you on a journey to the heart of roussanne with fragrance, texture, flavour and length aplenty. Date: May 2024; Alcohol: 13.8%; Drink by: 2036; Rating: 96 Points; James Halliday Wine Companion