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.
“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 this wine from the winemaker: “A blend of 50% estate grown fruit and 50% purchased regional fruit, fully de-stemmed, fermented partially in new Austrian and French oak plus stainless steel. Pale green in appearance, aromatic pear with honey toasty oak. Fleshy pears, spice and apple cider on the palate with enough acid to balance the viscous, textured mouthfeel. Screw-cap sealed.’ Emily McNally
Love this brand new vintage release!
94 points, JamesSuckling “The nose is expressive and citrus-driven, with aromas of orange blossoms, lime curd and talcum powder. The palate is medium-bodied with striking acidity and a generous mouthfeel, giving notes of macadamia nuts, grapefruit pith and fresh herbs. Very balanced and minerally. Drink or hold. Screw cap.”
Review for 2023 .. 95 points, Jeni Port, Halliday Wine Companion “Where to start. The texture, the spice, the warm carry of apple and pear notes? The assured confidence of the winemaker with a grape relatively new to Heathcote? It’s all here. Inviting citrus, baked apple, pear, honeysuckle and nougat aromas. Waxy and clean, the palate glides, distributing flavour gently spiced and tightly controlled by zesty fresh acidity. Delicious!”
RRP $36 Our Special Price $29.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine.
