2003 Jasper Hill Shiraz Georgia’s Paddock (Heathcote, Victoria)
This is the type of wine that got me interested in Australian reds a few years ago, and it’s a shame wines like this are almost impossible to find in the US market now. It’s certainly a blockbuster at 15% alcohol, but one that conveys its power and richness with a sense of restraint and structure. Stunning aromatics; savoury earth, leather, charcoal and dark fruited flavours combined with sweeter cookie dough and herbal scents. It’s certainly a powerhouse, but always feels very balanced in the mouth and surprisingly light for such a big wine with nice acidity keeping it quite fresh and savoury flavour elements providing a nice counterpoint to the sweetness of the fruit. There’s tremendous presence and length, and given the structure and balance here I’d imagine this would continue aging very nicely.
Gary V called it the Lafite of Australia. Me? not so much.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks for the note.
If you liked that then I suggest tracking down “La Pleiade Shiraz” as it’s a joint venture of Michel and Corinne Chapoutier (of well, um Chapoutier) and Ron and Elva Laughton (of Jasper Hill).
Highly reccomended. It’s in CT here → 2005 Chapoutier and Laughton Shiraz La Pleïade, Australia, Victoria, Central Victoria, Heathcote - CellarTracker