Domenica Chardonnay 2023 plus Nebbiolo

When you consider Beechworth Chardonnay, two producers immediately come to mind, Giaconda and Savaterre. Whilst the former is impossible to attain on release, the latter is on a similar trajectory. So… some years back, when people in the trade I respect said to add another to the potential unicorn list – I took note.

Domenica…

After 13 years making wine at his uncle’s domain, Giaconda, Peter Graham decided to set up his own winery. Planted in 1996 and officially launched in 2012, Domenica sits 460m above sea level atop the granite ridge sweeping away to the south west of Beechworth. The wines are vividly reflective of their origin, a gripping mineral texture encasing the mature vine vitality of the varietals chose to express it. Winemaking is traditional.

As Peter was assistant winemaker at Giaconda for thirteen years, let’s assume he knows a thing or two about Beechworth Chardonnay! Oh and Nebbiolo … and Shiraz… I suggest you jump on the band wagon now, as it has already departed.

 

2023 Domenica Chardonnay

Harvested over seven picking days this Chardonnay is basket pressed and the juice left to settle in a stainless steel tank overnight. The following morning, the juice is transferred to oak, wild ferment takes only two weeks, and the wine sees no malolactic fermentation. The wine was fined but unfiltered.

‘A very fine chardonnay, without quite the precision, detail and tension that I recall from other years. Stone fruit, flint, lanolin, porcini and that regional tattoo of glazed quince. Quinine bitterness at the finale. Mid-weighted and nicely nervous in the mouth, while suitably open-knit enough to breach already. Fine. Drink or hold. Screw cap.’ 95 Points – James Suckling.com – Ned Goodwin MW

 

 

2021 Domenica Shiraz

Fermented separately in small batches, it present many blending options. Whole bunch inclusion is dependant upon the season, up to around 25% of the batch. The remainder is lightly crushed, destemmed, then taken to an open topped concrete tank, where it usually sits for a few days prior to the commencement of fermentation. The wine is basket pressed, blended, and taken to barrel for maturation for around 21 months. The finest French barriques are used, around 25% new.

“Fine shiraz in these parts is almost an inevitability given diurnal shifts, granite soils and largely, impressive viticulture. Great terroir. Lifted aromas of mace, violets, cloves, black olives, blueberries and pepper grind. A marinade of steak in the mix. This is a stunning shiraz, mid-weighted, nicely furled and offering real propulsion across the mouth, given the freshness and pliant tannic fiber. Exceptional wine. Drink or hold.” 96 Points – James Suckling.com – Ned Goodwin MW

“Deep-ish red-purple colour with a sweetly floral, peppery/spicy, vegetable and sweetly ripe berry-fruit bouquet; the wine is full bodied and rich but also elegant, with smooth supple texture, and a fleshy mouth-feel that is quite decadent. Very stylish and aromatic, with great drinkability Is there some viognier in this?” 96 Points – Huon Hooke – The RealReview.com.au

2021 Domenica Nebbiolo

Domenica holds the oldest Nebbiolo vines in Beechworth, producing a classic and age worthy wine. The single acre of Nebbiolo is grown in a cool, protected pocket on the southern corner of the property. Tiny yields per vine develop the intensity of fruit required to make Nebbiolo with beautiful structure, and a deep complex core of fruit.

”among the finest Nebbiolo outside of the Langhe” TOP 100 Australian Wines JamesSuckling.com

“Cherry, liquorice/dried mint, baking spice, dried roses, almond and charcuterie. It’s juicy, cherry, ripe strawberry and amaro herbs, supple dusty tannin and layers of sweet spice, juicy ripe orange acidity, and a stonyand dry, slightly peppery, finish of excellent length. So good.”  95 Points – Gary Walch, The Wine Front

“Australia does a fine job with Nebbiolo. Admittedly, across a limited number of hands. But each time I am in the Piedmont, there are plenty of Aussies being thrown up as worthy comparative cards. Here, one of them. A pallid mid-ruby. Lifted scents of briar, sandalwood, campfire, beef bouillon, pomelo and orange peel, with a sluice of the sourest cherry, all fiery pucker and brim. Undoubtedly, among the finest Nebbiolo outside of the Langhe, although there is something here more akin to Gattinara, so etched are the tannins and perky the freshness. A standout. Scored in a regional context. Drink or hold. Screw cap.”  94 Points – James Suckling.com – Ned Goodwin MW

Don’t miss the boat on this one team – super value for money. In years to come you will remember this day, the day when you could actually buy this wine.