Jasper Hill Georgia’s Paddock Shiraz 2023

Don’t be misled by cliches about the size and style of the Jasper Hill wines. Big though they are, they are fresh and balanced, with lovely natural acidity and waves of fruit and tannin. “Controlled full on”. Ferrous and autumnal notes reside with dark cherry, chocolate, lavender, potpourri, leather, polished wood and a compote of black and blue fruits. It’s big, no doubt about it, luxurious and rich with wonderful dripping tannins, black olive tapenade and an incredible sense of freshness and energy. A horizon of length and balance, nothing at all forced or overdone. Decades of supreme pleasure ahead. Crying out for beef, preferably on the bone. One of my favourite wines of the year. Norris at Waters Wine Co

A pretty and intense nose of blackcurrants, anise and violets. At first, it doesn’t give away much, it’s very composed and stealthy in its expression. With air, hints of iodine, pepper and bush spices arise. A bomb of flavour explodes on the palate—black olives, violets and sweet spices are framed by powdery tannins. The tannin quality is a stand-out, it’s so fine yet long and sleek. This is ripe and full-bodied yet everything is perfectly jigsawed into place, nothing seems forced. In its youth, It’s a touch apprehensive to reveal all, but this is a wine meant for aging. Palate staining, formidable stuff. 96 Points, The Real Review

Very typical depth of bright crimson to the edge. Immediate, powerful nose of red and black berry fruits that follow through into the palate, with mixed spice highlights complemented by the usual ripe, sweet dark cherry and plum flavours and a cola / chinotto finish, so typical of Georgia’s Paddock Shiraz. Fabulous tannin / acid balance conferring longevity, but imminently approachable now, particularly with a rare steak. Alcohol 15.5%.’Ron Laughton and Emily McNally of Jasper Hill