2023 Jasper Hill Georgia's Paddock Shiraz Organic, Heathcote

Siblings Georgia and Emily Paddocks tend to be viewed as competitors, but, in fact, they complement each other. Georgia offers insight into the ferrous, mineral rich soils in which its vines grow, and the natural balance it affords the wine, joined by Aussie bush notes, briar, black fruits, plum, tapenade and spice. It's subdued in its infancy, it needs time, but the basis for another big future is there, supported by grainy, savoury tannins. This one is destined for the cellar.

95 points Jeni Port winecompanion.com.au

Jasper Hill Georgia’s Paddock Shiraz from Heathcote is one of Australia's most iconic single-vineyard reds — a wine of natural power, striking individuality and deep connection to place. Grown on ancient Cambrian soils rich in red clay and greenstone, this certified organic and biodynamic Shiraz reflects the uncompromising vision of Ron and Elva Laughton, pioneers of minimal-intervention winemaking in Australia long before it became fashionable.

Georgia’s Paddock is dry grown, hand harvested and made with minimal inputs. Wild fermentation, no fining or filtration, and the use of older French oak barrels all contribute to a wine that expresses the vineyard with purity and honesty. It’s a wine that’s never flashy or overworked — instead, it delivers complexity and intensity with restraint and integrity.

The nose opens with black cherry, plum, violets, licorice, and ironstone, layered with cracked pepper and dried herbs. The palate is full bodied and muscular, yet finely structured, with dark berry fruit, graphite, spice and a long, savoury finish marked by firm but elegant tannins and a mineral core.

Food pairing: pairs beautifully with chargrilled lamb, slow-roasted beef, venison, or eggplant with smoky paprika. Also excellent with hard aged cheeses or a mushroom and rosemary pie.

Cellar potential: built for the long haul. While approachable after a few years in bottle, it will evolve gracefully over 15 to 25 years, gaining more earthy, meaty and truffle-like complexity.