Jasper Hill – located in the prime rolling countryside of Heathcote, Victoria – is regarded by collectors as one of Australia’s great Shiraz producers. The evocatively named, gorgeously scented and beautifully concentrated Emily’s Paddock and Georgia’s
Paddock Shirazes have forged a remarkable reputation for their highly
individual character and powerful aging potential. Both are included in
the Outstanding category of Langton’s influential Classification of
Australian Wine.
In 2007 Ron and Elva Laughton celebrate 25 vintages at Jasper Hill. 22
People attended this structured tasting in the 100 year old Winevault
tunnel, and I'm sure all would agree that this was a memorable event.
Jasper Hill produces six wines from three individual vineyards. While Emily’s Paddock Shiraz Cabernet Franc and Georgia’s Paddock Shiraz are the best known wines Japer hill also makes a Georgia’s Paddock Semillon, Georgia’s Paddock Riesling and Geogia’s Paddock Nebbiolo. Cornella Grenache is a recent addition to the Jasper Hill portfolio.
Overview of the wines:
Jasper Hill Georgia’s Paddock.
American
and French Oak. Loose-knit strongly flavoured style with dark cherry/
plummy/ mocha fruit profile, chocolaty ripe tannins and sweetness of
fruit and oak. Classic and consistent.
Jasper Hill Emily’s Paddock.
French
oak. Dense muscular wine with graphite/ red cherry/ dark chocolate
aromas. Palate is dense and concentrated with sinewy dry tannins but
plenty of fruit sweetness and richness. The wines peak and trough and
seem to reflect the light and shade of vintage more profoundly.
Jasper Hill Georgia’s Paddock Semillon.
Ron
Laughton’s indulgence. Some of the latest vintages are good. Pale
colour. Lanolin/ matchstick/ tropical lemon grass herb garden aromas.
Toasty/ lanolin/ minerally acidity, lovely fruit sweetness and flavour
length.
Occam’s Razor Shiraz.
Medium
deep colour. Powerful resonating wine with lovely cedar/ spice/ dark
chocolate aromas and blackberry confit nuances. Very rich well
concentrated wine with dark chocolate/ firm dry loose knit quite iron
like tannins.
(www.langtons.com.au/Magazine/Features.aspx?MagazineID=99)
Thanks to Andrew Caillard MW from Langtons for this review.
Please comment on this tasting or anything you'd like to discuss about Jasper Hill wines in our Vault Talk forum.