My friend who happens to be on the Giaconda mailing list recently recieved his allocation for the current vintage of both the pinot noir and chardonnay.
He promptly invited me around to sample both wines. I had never tried either, but was acutely aware of the esteem that the label carries.
Never had I encountered such wines of individuality as these two Giacondas. Both wines were unlike any other pinot or chardonnay that I had ever tasted, whilst at the same time remaining strongly varietal.
The chardonnay, buttery almost toffee notes, but never even approaching sickly or sweet, firm acidity and pear on the palate bring a nice fresh blance.
The pinot, red fruits - particularly rasberry, abound, with suprisingly no forest floor on the nose or the palate. I don't usually go for those lightwieght pinot's relying on red fruits, but this was different. Balance immaculate, body perfect.
These tasting notes may not sound amazing, but both wines had an intangible factor - an X factor that made them so individual.
We must all agree that wines of character, complexity and uniqueness is what we all want to drink. Giaconda delivered.
Was it terrior or winemaking or both. I don't know. All I know is that they were well worth the hype. The cost seems completely trivial.
Perfect accompaniments were rabbit and prune terrine, grilled salt quail, flamiche and roasted pear and pork loin. All home made of course.
Heaven
Cheers,
Stuart
Giaconda = X Factor
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Crow
Gia's
Stuart,
The 02 Chardonnay is the most complex white wine I think I have tasted, and explosion of fruit salad with great finesse, light lemon butter, background of toffee/caramel and the flavours and aromas just seemed to keep coming at me. This was tasted over a year ago and I can almost still sense it!!
Haven't had the Pinot, the Cabernet is subtle and complex and I feel needs time - the Warner's are sitting and waiting!!
They are certainly a liquid experience - journey.
McClay Rd dissapointed in 03 though.
Cheers, Adam.
The 02 Chardonnay is the most complex white wine I think I have tasted, and explosion of fruit salad with great finesse, light lemon butter, background of toffee/caramel and the flavours and aromas just seemed to keep coming at me. This was tasted over a year ago and I can almost still sense it!!
Haven't had the Pinot, the Cabernet is subtle and complex and I feel needs time - the Warner's are sitting and waiting!!
They are certainly a liquid experience - journey.
McClay Rd dissapointed in 03 though.
Cheers, Adam.