The second label of Giaconda, The ‘McClay Road’ range was first introduced with the smoky 2003 vintage, which was entirely declassified. This pair comes off the Warner Block (Shiraz) & the younger vines on the Estate Vineyard (Chardonnay).

What I am also interested in is the relationship between this pair & the ‘RK’ Vintage Cellars exclusive Shiraz & Chardonnay, which even look similar in their labelling….

Giaconda McClay Rd Chardonnay 2008
Carries the funky, solidsy, wild ferment-meets-rich fruit style of Giaconda. Lots of family resemblances then. This then has a mouthfilling texture, like it should, but in a quite restrained mould. Very young and quite lean then, with much to come. It’s Giaconda then, but a baby of a wine, without the complexity or density of its bigger brother. Pushing it at $42. 17.2+

Giaconda McClay Rd Shiraz 2008
Stemmy, Rhonish, slightly pooey stink, which leads on to a soft, whole bunch influenced purple fruit palate. Certainly stylish winemaking, but this lacks intensity and really falls away on the back palate. Should be half this ($42) price. 16.7