The Auswine Forum

The 2022 Giaconda Estate Vineyard Chardonnay from Beechworth, Victoria, has secured the number two position in Vinous’ Top 100 Wines of 2024. Vinous is a US-based publication, founded in 2013 by Antonio Galloni, a former critic for Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate.

Awarded a perfect 100 points by Vinous’ Australian editor Angus Hughson, the wine went on for consideration by the international Vinous team, including Galloni, where it was placed at #2 overall and was named the top white wine for 2024.


I don't really know this publication but I orginally read it as "founded in 2013 by Antonio Galloni, a former critic OF Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate."

Yes spotted this yesterday, just can't stump up the sort of money that their asking...for a cardonnay
Cheers Craig

Update $500 at one retailer...pisstake of the century and we are only 24 years in

It’s pretty cheap compare to white Burg.

83rd in James Suckling’s Top 100

https://www.jamessuckling.com/wine-tasting-r ... wine-year/

Only 4 Australian wines in Sucklings list…..

Croquet King wrote: ↑Tue Nov 26, 2024 10:47 am Vinous is a US-based publication, founded in 2013 by Antonio Galloni, a former critic for Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate.

I don't really know this publication but I orginally read it as "founded in 2013 by Antonio Galloni, a former critic OF Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate."

Both arguably absolutely true. He was seemingly the anointed one, primed to take over The Wine Advocate from Parker, but whatever fall-out they had, he went off to do his own thing, in direct competition.

He certainly shares something of Parker's ability to garner attention, and uses the '100 pointer' astutely to gather attention for his publication. Whilst not to the same degree as Parker in his heyday, Galloni can move the market e.g. Burlotto Monvigliero.

I listened to a podcast where Galloni drones on about the point system and how he would never give 100pts to a wine. Yep. Then the Monvigliero affair! There’s something I just don’t trust about his scores.

JamieAdelaide wrote: ↑Wed Nov 27, 2024 5:22 am I listened to a podcast where Galloni drones on about the point system and how he would never give 100pts to a wine. Yep. Then the Monvigliero affair! There’s something I just don’t trust about his scores.

I share that unease, and that extends beyond mere palate differences. Scores (specifically 100 pointers and occasional lowball scores) are a key way his brand keeps a high profile.

It is marginally better than Sorrenberg but far more expensive. It has become a cult wine, so pricing has gone through the roof. I will take Sorrenberg thanks.

I Love Shiraz wrote: ↑Wed Nov 27, 2024 10:54 pm It is marginally better than Sorrenberg but far more expensive. It has become a cult wine, so pricing has gone through the roof. I will take Sorrenberg thanks.

Keen to hear this as I just got a few bottles of sorrenberg Chardonnay. I must admit, I do love the look of the sorrenberg labels and bottles.

the prices for Giaconda are laughable, but there are enough idiots in this world to make the wine sell. Same goes for Bass Phillip, and to be fair, same goes for Bizot, Engel and Arnoux-Lachaux.
I have mentioned this before on this web site, I have a great mate orthopedic surgeon who has faithfully purchased from the mailing list for 30 years and used to declare it as good as any GC white Burgundy. We have a lunch every year, now into its 15th annual edition where he brings a 10 year old bottle of Giaconda and I bring a 10 year old bottle of similarly priced white Burgundy, and we both agree the score is 15-0 to white Burgundy.
Its an excellent wine, but 100 points? lols Not sure 100pts means anything other than a few extra clicks and a vendor advertising opportunity. Its cool and trendy to love these sorts of wines, and the new up-and-comers, like William Kelley (another vinous Kane Cornes) froth over giving these wines huge points because they know damn well it will up the clicks and improve their profile.

Sorrenberg is excellent too, but not as good as Giaconda. But Leeuwin certainly is, as is the top of the line gear from Mt Lofty Ranges, other stuff in the Adelaide hills, and new and exciting chardonnays from Tassie. Stuck on a desert island, I'd take a case of Tolpuddle over a case of Giaconda every day of the week.

For the absurd price there is a myriad of better options all over Australia.