2023 Jasper Hill Emily's Paddock Shiraz Cabernet Franc Organic, Heathcote

Dark red, inky and opaque in appearance. Lifted aromas of plum, dark cherry, Asian spice, bramble, white pepper, ferrous earth and black pudding. Powerful, concentrated and mouth-filling in flavour. Brooding dark fruits, nutty oak, spice and a brambly woodsiness are all at play. The tannins are shapely, chewy and firm and the length is impressive 22 Mar 2025 Drink 2025–2040

96 points Aaron Brasher therealreview.com

Emily's is all about the dirt, the place and a decision made by the winemaker's parents to add cabernet franc to shiraz, a regional star. It remains totally individual and, as always, a wine that shows its best with age. Early drinking demands a decant to release those ripe blackberry, dried raspberry fruits and a wondrous world of spices with licorice, allspice, pepper, chocolate and a sprinkling of franc's dried herbs. Assisted by some authoritative fine tannins, Emily's delivers both power and elegance. Give it the time it deserves.

95 points JeniPort wineccompanion.com.au May 2025

Jasper Hill Emily's Paddock Shiraz Cabernet Franc from Heathcote is one of Australia's most iconic and individual red wines. Grown in the ancient red Cambrian soils of Heathcote and farmed organically and biodynamically, this wine reflects both place and philosophy. Crafted by Ron Laughton and daughter Emily, it is a rare blend of Shiraz with a small but distinctive percentage of Cabernet Franc, delivering complexity, spice and unmistakable Jasper Hill personality.

Emily's Paddock was planted in 1975 and has always been dry grown and hand tended. The site sits slightly higher than Georgia's Paddock and produces wines with lifted aromatics, firm structure and intense flavour. The inclusion of Cabernet Franc adds elegance, herbal lift and a savoury edge to the deep, brooding Shiraz fruit.

The wine is fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured in mostly seasoned French oak to allow the fruit and vineyard character to shine through. No fining, no filtration, and minimal sulphur ensure a pure, transparent expression.

In the glass, it opens with aromas of dark cherry, plum, crushed herbs, violets, graphite and peppery spice. The palate is powerful and tightly coiled, showing dense black fruit, earthy tannins, and a long, mineral finish. It is structured yet graceful, built to age and evolve for two decades or more.

Pair it with chargrilled ribeye, venison or roast eggplant with rosemary and garlic. This is a flagship Australian wine that commands attention and rewards patience.