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.

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. Date: Mar 2023; Alcohol: 13.8%; Drink by: 2037; Rating: 96 Points; James Halliday Wine Companion

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. Date: Mar 2025; Alcohol: 13.8%; Closure: Screwcap; Drink: 2025-2033; Rated: 95 Points; Gary Walsh; The Wine Front