Jasper Hill Georgia’s Paddock Shiraz 2024

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.

Here is a first-rate lesson on soils and what they contribute to wine. Georgia hails from red, iron oxide–rich, ancient Cambrian soils that have brought the most astonishing natural balance in ’24. The boldness we associate with Georgia is there, but so too a well-delivered fineness of expression that seems to belie the 15.5% abv. The fruit is black and ripe, the spices soar, the oak is well integrated and a ferrous minerality adds a brightness and spark to everything. The tannins are firm but still welcoming, and it just gels so beautifully, so resoundingly. 97 points – Jeni Port, Halliday Wine Companion

Rated #29 Top 100 World Wines 2025 in James Suckling