Overview
A mature Heathcote Shiraz from one of Jasper Hill's most recognised wines, combining richness and concentration with the savoury complexity that develops through extended bottle age. The 1998 vintage has continued to evolve impressively, receiving 96 points from Andrew Caillard MW in 2017.
Vintage
For the 1998 vintage, Georgia's Paddock fruit was supplemented with grapes grown by friends within the Heathcote region. The wine was released with a generous, fruit-driven character and substantial structure, with Jasper Hill highlighting its balance, integrated alcohol and long-term ageing potential.
Vineyard
The original Georgia's Paddock Shiraz block was planted in 1975, with additional vines planted in 1987. The Heathcote soils are derived from ancient Cambrian basaltic rock and are characterised by deep, rusty-red, well-drained gravelly loams with good moisture-retention capacity and complex mineral composition.
Winemaking
Georgia's Paddock Shiraz is fully destemmed and fermented with natural yeasts, with extended skin contact of approximately five to six weeks before gentle pressing. The wine is then matured in French oak for approximately 12 months.
Producer Tasting Notes
At release, Jasper Hill noted: “Deep vibrant red-purple colour. Delicious aromas of sweet red berries, chocolate, mocha and mixed spices carry through on to the palate which is counterbalanced with great acidity and powerful, supple tannins. The high alcohol is entirely integrated in the power of this very balanced wine.”
Critic Reviews
96 Points — Andrew Caillard MW
Tasted 08 August 2017
“Complex and fully mature with red cherry cola earthy, roasted walnut, flavours, superb supple plentiful fine boney tannins and underlying silky richness. Finishes firm with plenty of sweet fruit notes.”
94 Points — James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion
Tasted 28 April 2001
Published 11 July 2021
“Dense purple-red; a rich, ripe bouquet has a cascade of aromas running through leather, licorice, prune and plum… The palate is loaded with intensely rich and sweet blackberry, plum, prune and spice flavours.”
93 Points — Andrew Caillard MW
Tasted 17 August 2012
“Plush and velvety with plenty of ripe developed paneforte flavours, plentiful tannins and malty nuances. Finishes chocolaty and fruit sweet.”
Producer
Jasper Hill is a pioneering Heathcote producer founded by Ron and Elva Laughton. Georgia's Paddock Shiraz is one of the estate's signature wines, known for its concentration, distinctive Heathcote character and ability to develop over extended periods in bottle.
Specifications
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Vintage: 1998
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Producer: Jasper Hill
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Wine: Georgia's Paddock Shiraz
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Grape Variety: Shiraz
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Country: Australia
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Region: Heathcote, Victoria
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Original Vineyard Planting: 1975
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Additional Planting: 1987
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Fermentation: Natural yeast, fully destemmed
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Skin Contact: Approximately 5–6 weeks
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Maturation: Approximately 12 months in French oak
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Alcohol: 15.5%
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Drinking Window: To 2028
