Australia — wine

Beechworth GI

Remote alpine Victorian GI at 500–800m elevation in the Ovens Valley; granite soils producing some of Australia's most complex wines. The Giaconda Estate famously produces Chardonnay and Shiraz that rival Burgundy and Rhône at their finest. Cool-climate conditions; significant diurnal variation. Other top estates: Castagna, Fighting Gully Road, Sorrenberg. Small production; cult following.

Year Rating Notes
2022 Cool alpine season; Giaconda Chardonnay and Shiraz of extraordinary precision and mineral depth; standout vintage
2021 Good conditions at elevation; granite terroir well-expressed; Beechworth producers receiving exceptional critical recognition
2020 Outstanding vintage; Giaconda Chardonnay from 2020 considered among finest in estate history; high critical acclaim
2019 Classic Beechworth profile; cool-climate Shiraz showing restrained elegance; Chardonnay mineral and complex
2018 Warmer than usual for Beechworth; Shiraz richer and less angular; Chardonnay still showed characteristic mineral depth
2017 Good alpine conditions; granite soils delivered characteristic mineral precision; Giaconda mailing list wines superb
2016 Superb Beechworth vintage; Giaconda Chardonnay and Shiraz from 2016 among the estate's most celebrated releases