Bob McDonald

9.5

Beechworth is in the foothills of the Victorian Alps and is fast becoming one of the premier districts for Chardonnay in Australia thanks to the burgeoning success of Giaconda (and also Savaterre). The Rodda Smiths Vineyard is a neighbour to these 2 Icons. Aromatics of grapefruit, white flowers and grilled nuts. On the medium bodied palate Peach, citrus and ripe grapefruit of medium plus intensity. Ticks all the boxes. 2021 was an excellent vintage in Beechworth as it was for most of Australia. Excellent wine and good value. — 8 months ago

David MacMillan

9.2

Really impressive Aussie Chard from Victoria.....tons of slate and mineral but also rounded and has nice hints of grapefruit. Not flabby but not steely minerality. Nice wine from a region I know nothing about but was strong recommendation from some winos here. I feel like a real CHARLIE for not trying this before. A real TREAT after a LONG day in the PRICKly sun without any Nivea — 6 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.7

At my 2015 Chardonnay Challenge the Giaconda was a consensus 3rd. Easily the most smoky, sulphidic, struck match of the 6 wines. I loved it. On the palate a powerful wine. Opulent. This wine is becoming difficult to source and sells out in a flash upon release. I drank my last bottle of the 2015 on 3rd May 2026 with consistent notes. Very smoky and sulphidic still at 11 years. Totally enjoyable. Giaconda Chardonnay Is almost impossible to obtain these days as is its neighbour Savaterre. — 2 years ago

Big Wave Dave

9.2

Sour cherries, and plumb, with a spicy character. Very good structure. Not super long but decent splash of tannin and acid would allow to age. — 7 years ago

Big Wave Dave

9.2

Cool climate character; more Northern Rhone than Australia. As with all Savaterre, this is built to age but all the elements are there. Quite green/stemmy, but enough dark berry fruit, rosemary, and spice to give balance. Better in 5 yrs but wanted to like this more. — 5 years ago

Scott Rowe

9.0

Fruit, oak, acid. Clean and precise. — 6 years ago

Big Wave Dave

9.0

Light golden colour. Subdued oak, floral nose. Strong lemon, vanilla, and mineral flavours. Powerful with lots of structure; vanilla notes on the aftertaste. Still not cohesive but it will age well. A baby Savaterre. Not great for the px. — 10 years ago

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