1997 Jasper Hill Georgia's Paddock Shiraz 750ml

Producer tasting notes: (1997 vintage) "Vibrant magenta colour with a rich dark berry nose. Fabulous hit of fresh red fruits, a spicy luscious mouth feel and great more-ish length." - Jasper Hill

Overview

The 1997 Jasper Hill Georgia's Paddock Shiraz 750ml is one of Australia's most revered single-vineyard Shiraz wines, produced from the historic Georgia's Paddock vineyard in Heathcote, Victoria. Established by Ron and Elva Laughton in 1975, Jasper Hill has become synonymous with biodynamic farming and terroir-driven wines, with Georgia's Paddock recognised as one of the country's benchmark expressions of cool-climate Shiraz.

The exceptional 1997 vintage produced a wine of remarkable richness, structure and longevity. Now a highly sought-after mature release, it beautifully showcases the distinctive red volcanic Cambrian soils of Heathcote, combining vibrant fruit, savoury complexity and the signature chalky tannin profile that has made Georgia's Paddock an Australian icon.

Vintage & Winemaking

The warm, dry conditions of the 1997 growing season delivered perfectly ripened fruit with outstanding concentration and balance. The biodynamically managed vineyard produced low yields of intensely flavoured Shiraz, resulting in a wine with exceptional depth while retaining freshness and natural acidity. At release, the wine was noted for its deep magenta colour, sweet briary berry fruit and outstanding cellaring potential.

Fruit was hand harvested from the estate vineyard and traditionally vinified with minimal intervention to preserve vineyard character. Matured in French oak before bottling, the wine has evolved gracefully over nearly three decades, developing remarkable tertiary complexity while maintaining the vibrant structure and mineral backbone that define Jasper Hill's house style.

Product Highlights

• Flagship single-vineyard Shiraz from Jasper Hill
• Estate-grown on Heathcote's famed Cambrian soils
• Certified biodynamic vineyard
• Andrew Caillard MW – 96 Points (2017 review)
• One of Australia's benchmark collectible Shiraz wines
• Outstanding mature cool-climate Shiraz with exceptional provenance

Tasting Notes

Appearance

Medium deep crimson with mature garnet hues, retaining impressive vibrancy and depth for its age.

Aroma

Complex aromas of dark chocolate, roasted chestnut, roasted walnut and forest floor mingle with mocha, earthy spice and mature dark fruit, creating an expressive bouquet that continues to evolve in the glass.

Palate

Generous, supple and beautifully integrated, delivering layers of dark cherry, mocha, roasted coffee and savoury spice. Velvety tannins and the hallmark graphite-like minerality provide structure, while remarkable freshness keeps the wine balanced and vibrant despite its maturity.

Finish

Long, persistent and finely structured, with lingering notes of dark chocolate, graphite, savoury spice and mature fruit supported by refined chalky tannins.

Food Pairing

The 1997 Jasper Hill Georgia's Paddock Shiraz pairs beautifully with:

• Dry-aged beef ribeye
• Slow-roasted lamb shoulder
• Braised beef cheeks
• Wild venison with juniper
• Aged Comté or mature cheddar

Serving Temperature: 17–18°C

Cellaring Potential

Now fully mature and drinking beautifully, the 1997 Georgia's Paddock Shiraz displays exceptional tertiary complexity while retaining admirable fruit definition and structure. Well-stored bottles should continue to reward collectors over the coming years.

Recommended drinking window: Now–2030