Jasper Hill + Occams Razor (Bio-Dynamic): Heathcote, Victoria

Established in 1975 by Ron and Elva Laughton, Jasper Hill producers some of Australia’s most compelling and sought after wines. Located at Heathcote in Central Victoria on ancient Cambrian soilsdeep, red coloured, well drained gravely loams on undulating hillsides. These support low-vigour vine growth without the need for  supplementary irrigation.

The wines are produced entirely on the estate using organic/biodynamic principles. Inter row mulching and self made organic compost is used to improve soil organic matter. This allows greater bio-diversity in micro flora and fauna, supporting large earthworm populations beneficial for natural soil fertility. Following these principles no synthetic chemicals have ever been applied to the soils or vines. Vines are grown on un-grafted root-stock and non irrigated, expressing flavours and characteristics natural to their variety and terroir. Grown at elevations of 1000 feet the vines benefit from warm days but cool nights, imperative for natural acid retention and structure. None of the wines from Jasper Hill vineyards has even been acid adjusted at any stage. These are natural wines of striking purity.

“Whether it’s down to this very special rift of dirt or not, these wines are simply incredible.” Robert Parker—The Wine Advocate

2011 Georgia’s Paddock Riesling
Natural yeast ferment and no acid adjustment result in a seamless wine of finesse, texture and elegance.
“Very aromatic floral, green apple/pear and lemon aromas follow through on to the crisp dry mouth cleansing palate. Slightly less weighty than the previous couple of vintages, but just as long on the finish. Delicious aperitif. 11.0% alc/vol.” Ron Laughton

 2009 Georgia’s Paddock Viognier – SOLD OUT    
“From vines planted in 2000, the 2009 Georgia’s Paddock Viognier makes for a seriously delicious and complex wine from this notoriously fussy grape. Fermented in oak, 50% new, the wine remains in barrel for just 3-4 months. Giving fragrant aromas of peaches, poached pears, frangipani and preserved ginger, it is wonderfully voluptuous in the mouth countered by medium acidity. The silky texture and concentrated fruit profile linger well into the long finish. Drink it now to 2014. Around 200 cases made.” 93pts Robert Parker—The Wine Advocate  #189 June 2010

 2009 Cornella Vineyard Grenache
“Not even a hint of grenache jamminess here, but powerful, pure fresh raspberries on the nose and palate, with a lovely clean fruity finish. A relatively new wine for us that has been gaining admirers from non-grenache drinkers.” Ron Laughton

 2009 Georgia’s Paddock Shiraz
“Beautiful deep crimson colour with trademark flavours of concentrated red fruits and mixed spices with a voluptuous mouth-coating texture. High natural acidity balances abundant tannins. A classic, with perfect balance that can be drunk from now over the next two decades, with complete confidence.   14.0% alc/vol.” Ron Laughton

 2009 Emily’s Paddock Shiraz – very limited
“Elegance and power in the mouth, with typical brooding depth of garnet red colour. Complexity of delicious ripe berries and cream with floral perfume. Hallmarks of spicy, long length and supple tannins. Drinkable now, with a great decades-long life ahead. Usual 5% field blend of Cabernet Franc included.13.5% alc.” Ron Laughton

 2009 Occams Razor Shiraz
“Emily’s own single vineyard wine, from fruit grown on granitic soil in the south of the Heathcote GI by Jasper Hill’s vineyard manager, Andrew Conforti. Previous vintage now serving in Michelin 3 Star ‘Per Se’ restaurant, Manhattan. Very, very good, but different to the Cambrian soil Jasper Hill flavours; more plums and dark fruit. Delicious now; also has great cellaring potential. 14.5% alc/vol ” Ron Laughton

 2010 Georgia’s Paddock Nebbiolo – SOLD-OUT
A fabulous expression of Nebbiolo, with its  brick red colour. Intense floral aromas with savoury counterpoint in the mouth and a big tannic whack on the finish to round it out.