Jasper Hill & Occam's Razor Heathcote, Victoria
Established: 1975
Appellations: GI Heathcote, VIC
Proprietor: Ron & Elva Laughton
Winemaker: Emily McNally (nee Laughton)
Wine Making Overview: Minimal intervention in both vineyards and cellar. Nothing added to the wines and natural composts used in vineyards. Hand harvest, natural yeast ferments for 6-7 weeks for red wines before ageing in French barriques (20% new) for up to 12 months before going back to tank for blending before bottling in June.
Average Production: 2 500 Dozens
Viticulture: Bio-dynamic
Vegan Friendly: Yes
Vineyard Area: 21 ha
Vineyards:
Emily’s Paddock 3 ha
Georgia’s paddock 18 ha
Vine Density:
“Whether it’s down to this very special rift of dirt or not, these wines are simply incredible.”
“ ... the best nebbiolo I’ve found outside Piedmont.”
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 soils-deep, 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 and biodynamic principles. Inter row mulching and organic compost are 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 their own roots (ungrafted) and are not 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. With more than 40 vintages to their credit, these wines have a long established record for ageing gracefully with careful cellaring.
Emily's Paddock: three hectares of Shiraz including around five percent Cabernet Franc, yielding about two tonnes per hectare (14hl/ha). Planted in 1975/76. Slightly more sheltered east facing vinyeard site with stony soil showing evidence of the fault lines of this ancient soil on either side of the this vineyard with more stony rocky soil - and less of the ferrous red soil typical of Georgia’s Paddock.
Georgia's Paddock: 12 hectares of Shiraz yielding about three tonnes per hectare (20hl/ha). Three hectares of Riesling giving about three tonnes per hectare (20hl/ha). Planted in 1975/76 with further small plantings done after the vineyard was ravaged by bushfire in 1987. One hectare each of Semillon planted in 1992 (since grafted over), and Nebbiolo planted in 1993 to numerous different clones of Nebbiolo that were imported into Australia and after quarantine were planted out to give a very diverse selection in the vineyard.
Lo Stesso: this small planting (less than 1 hectare) of Fiano is located very close to the winery at the southern end of Georgia’s Paddock. The wine is made by Emily and Georgia Roberts and in the early years came from another vineyard in Heathcote from purchased fruit, though the portion of purchased fruit has reduced in recent years. Partially fermented in used oak and bottled relatively early (under stelvin) to retain freshness. This shows the signature intensity and texture so typical of fruit that one finds from Georgia’s Paddock together with the freshness and bright fruit lift from the purchased fruit which also come from Cambrian soil further north from the home vineyards around Drummond Lane.
Current Releases
‘My parents, Ron and Elva, purchased two young vineyards in the late 1970s. Planted in 1975, they became known as Emily’s Paddock and Georgia’s Paddock, named after my sister and I, and produced their first vintage in 1982. While our 50th vintage won’t arrive until 2031, the vines themselves turn 50 this year, just like me. That feels worth celebrating - not with a big party, but as a nod to the endurance and resilience of our organic, dry-grown vineyards.
We are very proud of the wines we’re releasing. The 2024 and 2025 vintages were warmer and drier than the three prior, but the moisture stored from those wetter years gave us generous yields and beautiful flavour. The harvest came fast, everything ripened within a quick four-week window - but the tanks were full, and the resulting wines are tasting great. 2024 was dubbed the ‘Year of the Bee’; due to warmer weather and poor flowering in the native trees meant many hungry bees visited daily.’ Emily McNally, July 2025.
2025 Lo Stesso Fiano Screw-cap sealed.
'A blend of 50% estate-grown and 50% regional fruit, fermented in a mix of new French oak and stainless steel. Slightly drier than previous vintages, this Fiano features a citrus backbone wrapped in apple and spice notes. Flavours build while a subtle, viscous texture and decent length make it a versatile food wine. Screw-cap sealed.’ Emily McNally, July 2025.
‘Floral and charming, with aromas of apricot blossoms, citrus peel, lemon confit, jasmine and chalk. The palate is textural and mid-weighted, with slight phenolic grip and bright acidity leading into a lush, generous mouthfeel with plenty of tension. Delicious. Drink or hold. Screw cap.’ 95 points, JS Wine Ratings, August 2025.
2025 Jasper Hill Georgia’s Paddock Riesling
‘Picked earlier than usual, resulting in lower alcohol and a fresh, natural acidity that makes this wine incredibly mouth-watering. Medium golden yellow in colour, with the usual aromatic citrus notes. Bone dry, yet a soft, lingering sweetness evolves - think honey, or lemon and sugar on pancakes. Screw-cap sealed | 11.5% alc/vol’ Emily McNally, July 2025.
‘Floral and perfumed, with aromas of apricot blossoms, honeysuckle, beeswax, lanolin and lemon confit. The palate is tightly wound, with pithy texture and mineral drive, lean but still carrying plenty of generosity and floral charm. Built to age for decades. Delicious. Drink or hold. Screw cap.’ 96 points, Ryan Montgomery, JS Wine Ratings, August 2025.
2024 Jasper Hill Georgia’s Paddock Shiraz rated #29 Top 100 World Wines 2025 in James Suckling
‘A wine we are incredibly proud of. True to its sense of place, this Georgia’s Paddock Shiraz does not disappoint. Bright magenta in colour, it keeps delivering. Abundant red fruits are layered with dark plums and chocolate. Soft, chalky tannins build as this well-rounded and balanced wine hides its alcohol beautifully. Plentiful yet vibrant in every glass. Enjoy now, or cellar confidently. High-grade cork sealed | 15.5% alc/vol’ Emily McNally, July 2025.
‘This is a great bottling of this famed central Victorian icon. Layers of black and blue fruits intertwine with a mineral-edged undertone, showing aromas of graphite, ferric earth, spices, violets, blackberries and licorice. The palate is seamlessly integrated, with a fine backbone of acidity and almost silken tannins. An excellent wine that balances fruit, earth and vineyard character, all pulled together with a high level of polish. Excellent. Drink or hold.’ 99 points, Ryan Montgomery, JS Wine Ratings, August 2025.
2024 Jasper Hill Georgia’s Paddock Nebbiolo
‘A highlight in this release thanks to its beautiful aromatics. Expect a delightful floral hit of rose, classic to the variety. While not trying to mimic its Italian counterparts, our 2024 Heathcote Nebbiolo offers dark cherry and ripe red currants. Tannins are firm and plentiful, although not overpowering. Spicy oak and earthy flint bring a smoky, mouthwatering finish. High-grade cork sealed | 14.0% alc/vol.’ Emily McNally, July 2025.
‘The northern Italian edge in this wine will delight nebbiolo drinkers. Aromas of dark cherries, dried rose petals, red leather, terra cotta, ferric earth, charcuterie and plum skins. The palate is mid-weighted, with firmly framed tannins and bright acidity leading into a tactile, savory-edged finish. Perhaps the best bottling of this label yet at Jasper Hill. Drink or hold.’ 95 points, Ryan Montgomery, JS Wine Ratings, August 2025.
2024 Jasper Hill Emily’s Paddock Shiraz
‘Predominately Shiraz, this full bodied wine is given added dimension by a small yet impactful 7% addition of Cabernet Franc. Picked together and co-fermented, the result is a layered, aromatic profile and richly textured palate. Graphite and leather notes weave seamlessly with the red and black fruits; while herbal characters, woody spice and a touch of mint are lifted by the wines natural acidity. Delicious now but patience will be rewarded. High-grade cork sealed | 15.0% alc/vol’ Emily McNally, July 2025.
‘Complex and layered, with aromas of black and blue fruits, spices, flowers, cured meats, graphite and licorice. The palate is vibrant and textural, with a firmly framed yet silken structure and a fine backbone of acidity. This wine, alongside the Georgia’s Paddock bottling, is outstanding and among the best I’ve tasted in recent times. Having tried every vintage back to 1988, this stands as one of the very best. Drink or hold.’ 97 points, Ryan Montgomery, JS Wine Ratings, August 2025.
2024 Occam's Razor Shiraz
‘Harvested early to produce a fresh, vibrant Shiraz that can be enjoyed young. Purchased fruit from two Heathcote vineyards, with distinctly different soil profiles, contribute savoury elements that complement the core base of red fruit. Bright purple in colour, with notes of spice, cola, and smoked meats. High-grade cork sealed | 15.0% alc/vol’ Emily McNally, July 2025.
‘Savory and deeply brooding, with aromas of blood plums, blackberry confit, olive tapenade, ferrous earth, licorice and cedar. The palate is full-bodied, with a plush and textural mouthfeel, firm tannins and balanced acidity. Generous and earthy, lifted by a high level of polish. Drink or hold.’ 94 points, Ryan Montgomery, JS Wine Ratings, August 2025.
Previous Vintages (small quantities available of some previous vintages)
2024 Lo Stesso Fiano Screw-cap sealed.
'A blend of 50% estate grown fruit and 50% purchased regional fruit, fermented in a combination of new French oak and stainless steel. Pale yellow colour. Subtle fruit aromas and a palate of pear, citrus and honey, finishing with waxy hazelnut and spice. Over time this luscious wine develops quince and baked apple flavours with enough natural acid to balance the viscous, textured mouthfeel. Ready to enjoy now. Screw-cap sealed.’ Emily McNally, July 2024.
2024 Jasper Hill Georgia’s Paddock Riesling
‘Brilliant yellow colour with the usual aromatic citrus notes. Occasional lees stirring during fermentation gives a weighted riesling with a long finish. Think lemon in all its form, juice, zest and pith. Underlining limes and slight peachy fruit characters, finishing with a hint of viscosity. A wine to drink now but the natural zingy acidity gives this wine long lasting potential. Screw-cap sealed.’ Emily McNally, July 2024.
‘The nose is lush and giving, showing aromas of preserved lemons, orange blossoms, gunsmoke and graphite. The medium-bodied palate has energetic acidity and complex notes of lime curd, grapefruit pith and jasmine. Very Alsatian with a wonderfully long finish. Excellent. Screw cap.’ 96 points, JS Wine Ratings, October 2024.
2023 Jasper Hill Emily’s Paddock Shiraz - last cases
‘Full bodied, yet very approachable, Emily’s keeps on giving. Brilliant magenta in colour, this wine will stain. Intense dark fruits of cherry, raspberry and plum, followed through with a hint of mint and dark chocolate. Structured chalky tannins and balanced natural acidity allows this wine to be cellared. High grade cork sealed.’ Emily McNally, July 2024.
‘Dark red, inky and opaque in appearance. Lifted aromas of plum, dark cherry, Asian spice, bramble, white pepper, ferrous earth and black pudding. Powerful, concentrated and mouth-filling in flavour. Brooding dark fruits, nutty oak, spice and a brambly woodsiness are all at play. The tannins are shapely, chewy and firm and the length is impressive. Drink 2025-2040.’ 96 points, Aaron Brasher, The Real Review, March 2025.
2023 Jasper Hill Georgia’s Paddock Shiraz
‘Reminiscent of our wines in the early years, a true Georgia’s Paddock style of raspberry with red earth notes and soft integrated tannins. While this vintage initially appears a little closed, given a few minutes, opens up to a brilliant red fruit and spicy nose. Juicy strawberries and fresh raspberry fill a generous palate with great length. Delicious now but easily cellared for those with patience. High grade cork sealed.’ Emily McNally, July 2024.
‘The nose is deep and brooding with savory aromas of damson plums, dark chocolate, licorice, cinnamon bark and graphite. The full-bodied palate has finely integrated tannins and focused acidity supported by a tightly bound mouthfeel, showing notes of macerated figs, black olives, mulberries and spices. A refined Australian classic that will age gracefully for decades. Drinkable now but best from 2030.’ 96 points, JS Wine Ratings, October 2024.
‘A dark, deep, plummy red in the glass. Heady aromas of plum, mulberry, dark cherry, sweet spice, violets, dried herbs, bramble and ironstone. Full-bodied, powerful, mouth-filling and opulent in flavour. All dark fruited, plush, firm and very concentrated. There's a drive of inky dark fruits, nutty oak and grippy, textured tannins. Big time, full bore shiraz. Drink 2025-2035.’ 95 points, Aaron Brasher, The Real Review, March 2025.
2023 Occam's Razor Shiraz
‘Grapes from Colbinabbin, mid-north of the Heathcote region, blended together with a smaller parcel from near Lake Eppalock. Harvested early to capture a great fresh feel. Crimson colour, savoury nose with a bouquet of spices and an underlying plum and raspberry palate, soft integrated tannins finishes this wine. A Shiraz made to be enjoyed now. High grade cork sealed.’ Emily McNally, July 2024.
‘Deeply scented and savory, showing aromas of blackcurrants, blood plums, cigar box, tobacco and ink. The palate is full-bodied with firmly integrated tannins and bright acidity, giving notes of figs, graphite, mocha and cedar. Very structured and dense with an underlying freshness that will integrate in years to come. Drink or hold.’ 94 points, JS Wine Ratings, October 2024.
2022 Jasper Hill Emily’s Paddock Shiraz - last cases
’Wow! Elva’s pick of the six. A classic, perfumed, Emily’s Paddock. Layers of flavour; flint, spice, mint, toasty oak wrapped up in dark and brooding black and blue fruits. Soft, velvety tannins that coat your palate, great length and with fabulous longevity if you can wait, but equally delicious now. 1 by 1 branded cork-taint-free cork sealed, 15.0% alcohol.’ Emily McNally.
‘The stunning and unique 2022 Emily's Paddock, a blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Franc, delivers a beguiling nose of graphite, blackcurrant and blackberry, showing power and grace. Beautifully pitched, classically proportioned and firmly structured, with a super energy and shape, this will deliver for decades to come. Drink 2030-2052.’ 97 points, Angus Hughson, Vinous, November 2024.
’Dark, inky and opaque in the glass. Deep, brooding aromas of graphite, ferrous earth, florals, smoked meats, spice and pepper. Full bodied, rich, mouth-filling and multi-faceted. Very pure and dark fruit driven with real depth, presence and purity. The tannins are firm, textured and deliver shape and savouriness and the acidity has brightness and lift. A compelling shiraz, with power and precision. Drink 2023-2038’. 96 points, Aaron Brasher, The Real Review, August 2023.
2022 Occam's Razor Shiraz - last cases
‘Grapes from Colbinabbin, mid-north of the Heathcote region, blended together with a smaller parcel from further south west. Harvested early to capture a great fresh feel. Delicate nose, dark crimson colour, soft tannins, forward bright fruit of rhubarb and red plum. Delicious, enjoy it now. 1-by-1 branded cork-taint-free cork sealed, 15.0% alcohol’ Emily McNally, July 2024.
‘Always a full-bodied wine that feels a bit oaky and well-extracted, sitting at the peripheral of the Jasper Hill stable. Inky. Iodine, dried thyme, mocha and dark fruit allusions, although aromatically rather muted. The grape tannins are nicely wrought. Detailed, firm and beautifully attenuated, finding confluence with some grippy oak filling out the back end. Best after 2026.’ 93 points, Ned Goodwin MW, JS Wine Ratings, August 2023.
Previous vintage notes - all these wines SOLD OUT
2022 Jasper Hill Georgia’s Paddock Shiraz - SOLD OUT rated #13 in James Suckling top 100 wines of Australia 2024
’We’re back, this time Georgia’s got no friends. It has everything you want from a typical Georgia’s Paddock Shiraz. Powerful yet elegant, well rounded red and black fruits, fabulous spice with soft subtle tannins that extend through the whole palate. Cellar or drink now, your choice. 1-by-1 branded cork-taint-free cork sealed, 15.5% alcohol.’ Emily McNally.
‘Deep and brooding aromas of blood plums, lead pencil, cocoa, tobacco leaves, cedar and ferric earth. The palate is full-bodied with firmly integrated tannins and focused acidity giving wonderfully complex notes of mulberries, coffee beans, dried herbs and potpourri. Seriously well integrated and structured. Excellent. Drinkable now but best from 2030.’ 97 points, JS Wine Ratings, October 2024.
‘The punchy 2022 Georgia's Paddock delivers a juicy core of black cherry, plump blackberry and warm slate topped by dark chocolate and supported by a well-integrated French oak backbone. This wine has a good heart and soul, although it starts a little wild before settling with a dense core of fine tannins perfectly placed with intense and broody dark berry flavors. Harmonic, supple and approachable, yet with deep set tannins and time on its side. This really came together after a couple of days, so it needs some time in bottle to show its best. Drink 2028-2040.’ 95 points, Angus Hughson, Vinous, November 2024.
’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. Drink 2023-2035.’ 96 points, Gabrielle Poy, The Real Review, August 2023.
2021 Jasper Hill Georgia + friends Shiraz - SOLD OUT rated #18 in James Suckling top 100 wines of Australia 2022
“Georgia’s Paddock grapes once again supplemented with grapes grown by friends within the Heathcote region, this years wine follows on with a fresh indulgent approach to a wine worth savouring. 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. Cellar or drink now, your choice. 1-by-1 branded cork-taint-free cork sealed, 15.0% alcohol” Emily McNally
‘What a deep and complex briar and spicy nose this exceptional Heathcote shiraz has! Cloves and crushed slate with gun metal. Very complex fine grained tannins and great mineral freshness drive this over the palate and off into the distance. Excellent ageing potential. Drink or hold.’ 97 points, JS Wine Ratings, October 2022.
2019 Jasper Hill Georgia’s Paddock Shiraz - SOLD OUT
“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 + Emily McNally
2018 Jasper Hill Georgia’s Paddock Shiraz - SOLD OUT
“Vibrant magenta colour typifies this wine as a classic Georgia’s Paddock Shiraz from a great vintage. Always delicious and approachable upon release, backed up by great cellaring ability if you wish. Ripe red raspberry and blackberries, purple plums and very complex spiciness fills the big palate that follows through on to the characteristic, supple yet assertive tannic finish, balanced by impeccable, racy natural acidity. The 15.5% alc/vol is so well balanced it doesn’t show!” Ron Laughton + Emily McNally
“Inky purple. Deep-pitched black and blue fruit and floral scents develop licorice, violet, vanilla and exotic spice nuances. Impressively concentrated yet energetic blackberry, kirsch, singed plum and licorice flavours are supported by an undercurrent of juicy acidity. Finishes extremely long and chewy, with steadily building tannins and reverberating floral and spice notes.”
96 points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous Media, September 2022
2017 Jasper Hill Georgia’s Paddock Shiraz - SOLD OUT
“A fabulous, typical example from this single vineyard that from it’s pristine crimson colour and leading, full aroma, exhibits the characteristic flavours of dark berries, ripe red fruits and complex exotic spices that lead into a supple tannic palate beautifully balanced with abundant natural acid. Maybe a little more forward than the 2015 and 2016, it will still cellar for a long time if you wish. 15% Alc.” Ron Laughton.
2016 Jasper Hill Georgia’s Paddock Shiraz - SOLD OUT
“Medium deep crimson. Intense elderberry, blackberry aromas with praline, espresso notes and hints of roasted chestnuts. Well concentrated blackberry pastille, praline flavours, fine chocolaty tannins and underlying roasted chestnut, savoury oak complexity. Finishes chocolatey with attractive bitter mineral length. Elemental with some liquorice notes. 15.5% Alc 94 points – 2020-2035” Andrew Caillard MW
“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.” 95 points, Joe Czerwinski, The Wine Advocate, June 2018
2015 Jasper Hill Georgia’s Paddock Shiraz - SOLD OUT
“From another great vintage, with 12 months elevage in French oak barriques, of which 20% were new. Exhibiting the typical characters of mixed red berries and general spiciness to the velvety, viscous, well-balanced and rounded palate. Powerful wine, with fine, supple tannins and a fabulous length. Great longevity again, but regardless, this will immediately appear on wine lists matched to grilled red meats without any detriment. 15.0% alc/vol.” Ron Laughton.
“A big, rich wine, the 2015 Georgia's Paddock Shiraz offers deep, earthy notes of black olive and espresso that complement the blackberry and plum fruit. There's a hint of menthol that helps lift the wine and avoid any undue sense of heaviness—a notable accomplishment in a wine that's labeled at 15% alcohol. Full-bodied and velvety in texture, complex and long, with two decades of aging potential, there's simply nothing to criticize here.” 96 points, Joe Czerwinski, The Wine Advocate, June 2018
“Medium deep crimson. Fresh dark cherry, blackberry herb garden aniseed aromas with espresso notes. Inky textured wine with lovely ripe dark cherry, blackberry fruits, slinky fine chalky tannins, underlying savoury nuances and bitter chinotto-like finish. Elegantly styled wine with lovely aromatic complexity and vigour. 2022-2038. 15% Alc.” 95 points, Andrew Caillard MW, August 2017.
