Description
“If you’re into the new wave of true fine wine producers of Australia you should be onto, should get onto, Domenica. Classics in the making. Rising high. Peter Graham got schooled (partly) at the great Giaconda winery in Beechworth. This is where he struts his own stuff ..’ Mike Bennie Wine Front
Peter Graham has been making wine in Beechworth since 1999, when he began working in the vineyards and winery at Giaconda. During these early years, he studied oenology at Charles Sturt University while working as assistant winemaker at Giaconda until 2012, when he left to establish Domenica.
The vineyard was first planted in 1996, an accord of family and friends. The original planting consisted of Chardonnay, Roussanne and Pinot Noir on the steeper south facing section of the property. Ensuing years saw a joint venture between Michel Chapoutier, Rick Kinsbrunner and Peter Graham expand plantings to feature Shiraz and Nebbiolo.
With more than 25 years of experience working this vineyard site, Peter brings an intimate perspective to the celebrated Beechworth Region. The wines are thoughtfully vinified on-site in small batches to capture the diversity of aspects and clonal selections in the vineyard.
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 chosen to express it. Winemaking is traditional. Taste is more important than numbers. The yeasts come from the site, not a packet. Pressings, solids and lees all play their part completing the picture. The wines are carefully maintained in oak barriques before being bottled unfiltered.
About this wine from the winemaker: “The 13 rows of Chenin Blanc were recently grafted onto vines planted in 2006. These are the closest vines to our winery on a south east facing slope of about ¾ acre. There was minimal irrigation in 2025.
“A complex wine, with aromas of lemon zest and baking spices. Perfumed wild jasmine, snow pea tendril, delicate hints of candied peel and lemon curd. There are notes of wet rocks and native blossom. Medium-bodied and with great textural interest. Taut, crisp acid drives the wine and will reward those with the patience to cellar.
“Our second release, a wine of complex flavour and intrigue. Unfiltered and sealed under Diam with wax.”
94 points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front “Peter Graham said something along the lines of “I read that you are not so much of a fan of Chenin, but I love it.’ Ha ha. He also says this puts him more in mind of South African Chenin in terms of style. Not much made and apparently it sells out quickly.
Melon, apple and citrus, spice, floral too. Light on its feet but has flavour and power, fine texture and bright acid line, with a powdery finish of excellent length, sporting some lemon peel and green olive. Top shelf. “
RRP $56 Our Special Price $45.99 – EXTREMELY LIMITED – WHILE STOCKS LAST
