1999 Giaconda Pinot Noir

Giaconda was established by Rick Kinzbrunner, a mechanical engineer who became interested in wine in the early 1970's and spent the next ten years traveling to wine-growing areas overseas learning as much as possible. 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 a 'stage' with the Moueix group, co-owner of the fabled Chateau Petrus. The first release of Giaconda wines was in 1987 with the 1986 Chardonnay and the 1985 Cabernet blend. Total production has been around 1000 dozen. This will now increase due to the recent plantings to approximately 2000 - 2500 dozen. The wines have been keenly received by winemakers, retailers and enthusiasts alike. The wine press has accorded them many accolades and placed them at or near the top in a number of masked tastings. The Pinot Noir is fastidiously produced and as full of character as the Chardonnay. It comes from a little over half a hectare of estate plantings and is made in tiny quantites.

Tasting note: "Rick Kinzbrunner's Giaconda Pinot Noir from Beechworth is cast in a classical mould; subtle and complex, it's a wine for contemplation which reveals more and more as you linger over it. Multi-faceted foresty notes, restrained plummy fruit and subtle oak are in perfect harmony, while the palate is intense and tight with firm structure for ageing. Will be great. A superb example, a near pefect wine of great character, worthy of the big occasion and the best company." - tasting note sourced from Ralph Kyte-Powell Uncorked, The Age Epicure - Melbourne.size>