The 2008 Georgia’s Paddock Shiraz is a fleshier, opulent and more forward style than Emily’s. Deep garnet colored, it has an open and expressive nose of blackberry, licorice, sandalwood, spice box, earth and a hint of game. Fine, firm tannins and medium-high acidity give great structure to the complex palate. Very long and layered in the finish, this wine is best approached from 2011 and enjoyed through 2020+. 300 cases were produced.
In his former life Ron Laughton worked for Kraft and has a scientific background in food technology. Then in one of those life changing moves he left the corporate / city life to head for the country and a more natural way of existence. The Jasper Hill estate has been wholly organic and dry grown since he and his wife Elva put down vines on their own rootstocks in Heathcote back in 1975/6. By 1998 they were practicing biodynamics. Acid has never been added to the wines. Because it isn’t naturally produced, Ron doesn’t even subscribe to Stelvin closures. He doesn’t like cork taint either so he gets round the problem by buying the best corks that he can. Today with daughter Emily on board helping in the winery, the family makes just seven Jasper Hill wines from three individual vineyards with total annual production at around 3500 cases. “My aim in life is not to make the world’s best wine but to make wines that represent their place and season,” Ron told me during my visit. If you’re a non-believer in Australian terroir, take a look at the unique styles of Heathcote Shiraz coming from the Georgia’s Paddock and Emily’s Paddock vineyards, on soils derived from Cambrian age rock (500 million years old). Whether it’s down to this very special rift of dirt or not, these wines are simply incredible.
Importer: Old Bridge Cellars, Napa, CA; www.oldbridgecellars.com
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