Description
Established in 1975 by Ron and Elva Laughton, Jasper Hill producers some of Australia’s most compelling and sought-after wines. Located at Heathcote in Central Victoria, the vineyards sit on undulating hillsides, built on a narrow strip of ancient Cambrian soils. These deep, red coloured, well drained gravely loams support low- vigour vine growth without the need for supplementary irrigation.
The wines are produced entirely on the estate (i.e. grown, made and bottled) following an organic and biodynamic philosophy. Inter-row mulching and organic compost are used to improve soil organic matter. This allows greater bio-diversity in micro flora and fauna, supporting the large earthworm populations beneficial for natural soil fertility. No synthetic chemicals have ever been applied to the soils or the vines and the vines are all grown on their own roots, allowing the vines to express flavours and characteristics natural to their variety and terroir. In recent years the Poussard pruning technique has been thoughtfully employed, improving vine health by focusing on optimal sap flow. Grown at elevations of 330 m, the vines benefit from warm days and cool nights, giving good natural acid retention. Accordingly, none of the wines from Jasper Hill vineyards has ever been acid adjusted at any stage. These are natural wines of striking purity. With more than 35 vintages to their credit, these wines have a long established record for ageing gracefully with careful cellaring.
“The highly regarded, much sought-after red wines of Jasper Hill were for many years crafted by father-daughter team Ron Laughton and Emily McNally. Ron and Elva Laughton’s retirement has been a gradual one, but today Emily runs the show alongside husband and viticulturist Nick McNally. That said, mum and dad still live on Emily’s Paddock and are always ready to pitch in when needed. The low-yielding, dry-grown vineyards are managed organically and tended by hand. Emily also purchases fruit from Heathcote for her 2 side projects, creating Lo Stesso Fiano and Shiraz with friend Georgia Roberts, as well as Occam’s Razor Shiraz.” James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion
About the 2023 vintage from the winemaker: “Being vignerons we are subject to the increasingly unpredictable whims of nature. The growing season leading into vintage 2023 posed many challenges with heavy storms at regular intervals. Rain is a mixed blessing for our dry grown vineyards; too little stresses our vines, while too much complicates vineyard maintenance. Over the season, Nick diligently monitored major downpours and soil moisture levels to minimise tractor impact on our delicate soils. High disease pressure made timely spraying of organic copper and sulphur crucial to protect new growth from mildew. Our decision to harvest early yielded beautiful clean fruit, resulting in wonderfully bright wines with generous acidity. These wines will be enjoyable young but also have the potential for long term cellaring should you choose.
For us, happiness is a full winery and vintage 2023 was generous. We had an abundance of aromatic tanks, brimming with wine. Grapes happily fermented with their natural yeasts and overall this vintage was noticeably busy, which makes for a very enjoyable experience .. The Georgia’s Paddock Shiraz, hand picked over multiple days, offers ample fruit and a velvety touch typical for the vineyard site.” Emily McNally
About this wine from the winemaker: “The original block of Georgia’s Paddock Shiraz was planted in 1975, with additional vines planted in 1987. Ten hectares of low yielding Shiraz makes this the largest of our production. Fully destemmed, fermented with natural yeasts and kept on skins for 5-6 weeks before a gentle press and into French oak for 12 month maturation ..”
“Reminiscent of our wines in the early years, a true Georgia’s Paddock style of raspberry with red earth notes and soft integrated tannins. While this vintage initially appears a little closed, given a few minutes, opens up to a brilliant red fruit and spicy nose. Juicy strawberries and fresh raspberry fill a generous palate with great length. Delicious now but easily cellared for those with patience. High grade cork sealed, 15.0% alcohol.” Emily McNally
95 points, Jenni Port, Halliday Wine Companion “Siblings Georgia and Emily Paddocks tend to be viewed as competitors, but, in fact, they complement each other. Georgia offers insight into the ferrous, mineral rich soils in which its vines grow, and the natural balance it affords the wine, joined by Aussie bush notes, briar, black fruits, plum, tapenade and spice. It’s subdued in its infancy, it needs time, but the basis for another big future is there, supported by grainy, savoury tannins. This one is destined for the cellar.”
RRP $107 Our Special Price $84.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine.
