Jasper Hill Emily's Paddock Shiraz Cabernet Franc 2022

Established in 1975 by Ron and Elva Laughton, Jasper Hill producers some of Australia’s most compelling and sought after wines. Jasper Hill wines are a true testament to the beauty and craftsmanship of winemaking. Located in the heart of Victoria's Heathcote wine region in Australia, Jasper Hill is a family-owned and operated winery that has gained international acclaim for its exceptional wines. Nestled among the undulating hills and ancient Cambrian soils, the vines thrive in this unique microclimate. The cool nights and warm days, combined with the rich soil, create the perfect conditions for growing grapes of exceptional quality and flavour. One of the standout features of Jasper Hill wines is their commitment to organic and biodynamic practices. The vineyards are cultivated using sustainable methods, with a focus on maintaining the health of the soil and ecosystem. This dedication to the environment not only produces exceptional wines but also ensures the longevity and health of the land for future generations. Jasper Hill is renowned for its Rhône-style wines, particularly Shiraz and Grenache. The grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, ensuring that only the best fruit is selected for winemaking. The winemaking process is a delicate balance between tradition and innovation, with minimal intervention to allow the grapes to express their unique characteristics.

Situated on elevated hillsides at an altitude of 320 meters (1000 feet), Jasper Hill Emily's Paddock vineyard spans across three hectares and is home to an exceptional Shiraz vineyard, with a small portion of Cabernet Franc planted as well. The vines were originally planted in 1975/76 and are cherished for their unique attributes. One of the distinguishing features of Emily's Paddock vineyard is that the vines are planted on their own roots, rather than being grafted onto Phylloxera-resistant American non-vinifera rootstock. This choice was made to preserve the purity of style and ensure that the wines truly reflect the terroir of the region. This decision also adds to the overall character and identity of the vineyard. The vines at Emily's Paddock are meticulously cared for, with a focus on maintaining a sunny, open and balanced canopy. This approach not only promotes optimal ripening but also helps keep fungal diseases at bay, eliminating the need for excessive summer pruning, leaf plucking and crop reduction. The vineyard team carries out all picking and pruning by hand, showcasing their dedication to quality and attention to detail. In line with Jasper Hill's commitment to sustainable practices, all vineyards, including Emily's Paddock, are unirrigated and rely solely on natural rainfall. This approach ensures that the grapes develop unique and concentrated flavors, reflecting the natural conditions of the region. With its northeast aspect and shallower soil, Emily's Paddock vineyard possesses its own distinct character. The combination of elevation, soil and aspect creates a microclimate that provides the perfect conditions for the grapes to thrive. This unique terroir contributes to the elegance, complexity and depth found in the wines produced from this vineyard.

The Jasper Hill Emily's Paddock Shiraz Cabernet Franc 2022 is a classic and perfumed expression of Emily's Paddock vineyard. With each sip, it unveils a symphony of complex flavors, creating a truly captivating tasting experience. Upon the first swirl, the wine reveals an enticing aroma of flint, entwined with subtle notes of spice and mint. These delicate nuances add layers of intrigue to the bouquet, inviting you to delve deeper into the glass. On the palate, the wine showcases an exquisite array of flavors. The toasty oak presence lends a gentle smoky undertone, harmoniously mingling with the dark and brooding black and blue fruits. The interplay of these flavors creates a captivating depth that keeps you coming back for more. The texture of this wine is truly remarkable. It caresses the palate with soft, velvety tannins that elegantly coat each taste bud. The integration between the tannins and the fruit creates a seamless mouthfeel, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the wine. As the tasting experience unfolds, the wine's great length becomes apparent. While this wine has the potential for fabulous longevity, with patience rewarding the drinker with even more complexity and development, it is equally delightful to indulge in now. The balance of flavors and the impeccable structure make it a pleasure to enjoy in its youthful state.

Wow! Elva’s pick of the six. A classic, perfumed, Emily’s Paddock. Layers of flavour; flint, spice, mint, toasty oak wrapped up in dark and brooding black and blue fruits. Soft, velvety tannins that coat your palate, great length and with fabulous longevity if you can wait, but equally delicious now. 1 by 1 branded cork-taint-free cork sealed, 15.0% alcohol. Emily McNally
Dark, inky and opaque in the glass. Deep, brooding aromas of graphite, ferrous earth, florals, smoked meats, spice and pepper. Full bodied, rich, mouth-filling and multi-faceted. Very pure and dark fruit driven with real depth, presence and purity. The tannins are firm, textured and deliver shape and savouriness and the acidity has brightness and lift. A compelling shiraz, with power and precision. Drink 2023-2038. - Aaron Brasher, The Real Review, 96 points

The Finer Details

Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz 95%, Cabernet Franc 5%
Country - Australia
Region - Heathcote, Victoria 
Vintage - 2022
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 15%