November 21, 2024 — Victoria has achieved a remarkable milestone with the 2022 Giaconda Estate Vineyard Chardonnay securing the number two position in VINOUS’ Top 100 Wines of 2024. The U.S.-based publication, founded in May 2013 by Antonio Galloni, a former critic for Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, is one of the most prestigious wine platforms globally.
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 as #2 overall and named the top white wine for 2024.
“What is most exciting about this achievement is that the final decision was not driven locally and was completely out of my hands,” Hughson said. “It was determined by the entire Vinous team, whose recognition of the quality of this wine confirms that it undoubtedly stands tall among the greatest white wines in the world, particularly from the 2022 vintage. It also dramatically showcases what can be achieved with Chardonnay in Australia’s leading terroirs for the variety, as international interest in exceptional Australian Chardonnay is on the rise.”
In 2023, Giaconda joined La Place de Bordeaux (an association of French Négociants), and its Estate Vineyard Chardonnay is now distributed internationally by Établissements Jean-Pierre, except in Australia and New Zealand.
Winemaker Rick Kinzbrunner of Giaconda expressed his elation over the wine’s continued success:
I value this international recognition immensely. To be awarded a perfect 100 points by Erin Larkin in The Wine Advocate for our 2021 Estate Vineyard Chardonnay was an incredible coup. Then came our listing in ‘La Place,’ and now being named the number two wine in the world—we are absolutely blown away,” Kinzbrunner said. “I attribute these achievements to the unique terroir of Beechworth and to decades of commitment and passion that go into every bottle of Giaconda Chardonnay. It’s an exceptional vineyard site, and we’ve been fortunate to experience near-perfect vintage conditions,” he concluded.
In addition to Giaconda’s success, Best’s Wines has been honoured with the number 98 spot in VINOUS’ Top 100 for their 2023 Riesling Great Western, scoring 94 points showcasing the excellence and diversity of Victoria’s wine industry.
“These accolades underscore Victoria’s prominence in the global wine arena, celebrating the region’s unique terroirs and the unwavering dedication of its winemakers,” remarked Wine Victoria CEO Stephanie Duboudin.
About Wine Victoria
Wine Victoria is the peak body representing the Victorian wine industry. They advocate on behalf of the wine industry ensuring their members remain a high priority with the Victorian Government and other national governing bodies.
