CLASSIFIED GRAND CRU FROM DOWN UNDER: JASPER HILL FROM VICTORIA
Drink if you like: Ribera del Duero, Old School Napa
Langton's Classification of Australian Fine Wine is arguably the most consistent, dependable classification on the planet. There are three tiers: Exceptional, Outstanding, Excellent (with Exceptional being the top tier and representing only 22 wines out of Australia). Jasper Hill falls into the Outstanding category (think Premier Cru), and delivers top quality Aussie wine from the Heathcote region in Victoria. This region is far from the happening parts of Australian wine culture. It is remote, high altitude, and its Cambrian 'greenstone' soils have picture perfect water retention and drainage, resulting in tiny berries that deliver precise but concentrated and bold examples of Australian Shiraz. Georgia's Paddock is the more robust and thoroughbred of their two single vineyards, and produces ageworthy wine that I've enjoyed in the 20-25 year range. While they do reward cellar aging, they are also performers in this current vintage. They have been biodynamic for over a decade, and never acidify (rare in Australia). It always amazes me how fresh these wines are despite their decadent 15% ABV.
95 Points Wine Advocate "The 2016 Georgia's Paddock Shiraz shows a brighter, fruitier side to this wine, featuring raspberries and blueberries on the nose and palate. It still has those dark underpinnings of black olive and espresso, but it dresses them up this year with brighter, fresher fruit, adding a different layer of interest. It's full-bodied and richly textured, with a long, layered finish that suggests well over a decade of aging potential. It's yet another superlative offering from the Laughton family."
