Overview
A powerful and concentrated Heathcote Shiraz from Jasper Hill's Georgia's Paddock. Despite the extreme drought conditions of 2003, the producer regarded the wine as remarkably well balanced, combining generous red fruit and spice with substantial structure and depth.
Vintage
The 2003 growing season was marked by severe drought conditions in Heathcote. Jasper Hill noted that the resulting wine avoided excessive ripeness and tannin, instead showing balance, sweet red berry fruit and spice with a larger mouthfeel than the 2001 and 2002 releases. Production volume was substantially reduced.
Vineyard
The original Georgia's Paddock Shiraz block was planted in 1975, with additional vines planted in 1987. Approximately ten hectares of low-yielding Shiraz make Georgia's Paddock the largest component of Jasper Hill's production.
Winemaking
The Shiraz is fully destemmed and fermented with natural yeasts, with approximately five to six weeks of skin contact before gentle pressing. The wine is then matured in French oak for approximately 12 months.
Producer Tasting Notes
“Considering the extreme conditions, the wine is very well balanced, highlighting again that this is a great site. A typical yummy, sweet red berries and spices Georgia’s; bigger in mouthfeel than the ’01 or ’02.” — Jasper Hill
Critic Reviews
95 Points — Jeremy Oliver, OnWine
“Admirably powerful and deeply fruited, this assertive and structured shiraz has a long cellaring future. Its smoky, meaty aromas of dark plums, mint and menthol reveal undertones of musk, prune and currant…”
94 Points — Robert Parker
“This wine is spectacularly concentrated and represents an exceptional expression of cooler climate Australian Shiraz. The 2003 Shiraz Georgia's Paddock exhibits an inky/blue/purple color along with a big, sweet nose of lead pencil shavings intertwined with charcoal, blackberries, cassis, licorice, and a touch of oak…”
92 Points — James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion
Tasted 24 March 2005
Published 11 July 2021
“Very powerful, dense and concentrated; some tannin elevation and mid-palate diminution; drought stress? May come around with time.”
91 Points — Andrew Caillard MW
Tasted 17 August 2012
“Intense dark berry, espresso, herb garden aromas. Palate is buoyant and fresh with plenty of sweet fruit, savoury loose knit but plentiful tannins, and prominent malty vanilla notes.”
Producer
Jasper Hill is one of Heathcote's pioneering producers, established by Ron and Elva Laughton. Georgia's Paddock Shiraz is one of the estate's signature wines, recognised for its concentration, distinctive Heathcote character and long-term ageing ability.
Specifications
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Vintage: 2003
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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: 15.0%
