The 2019 Jasper Hill Emily’s Paddock Shiraz Cabernet Franc is one of Australia’s most distinctive cool-climate red wines, showcasing the extraordinary synergy between Shiraz and Cabernet Franc from the granite-rich soils of Heathcote. Produced by Jasper Hill, Emily’s Paddock is the estate’s smallest vineyard at just 2.7 hectares, planted predominantly to Shiraz with a small proportion of Cabernet Franc that is hand-picked and co-fermented. Certified biodynamic and fermented with indigenous yeasts before maturing for 12 months in French oak, the wine reflects Jasper Hill’s uncompromising philosophy of expressing vineyard and terroir with minimal intervention. The outstanding 2019 vintage produced a wine of exceptional concentration, structure and remarkable ageing potential.
The nose is intensely aromatic and beautifully layered, revealing aromas of blackberry, black cherry and ripe plum alongside violet, lavender and cracked black pepper. As the wine opens, notes of graphite, cedar and dark chocolate emerge, complemented by hints of mint, dried herbs and savoury earth. The Cabernet Franc contributes an elegant floral lift and subtle herbal complexity, while the Shiraz delivers remarkable depth and richness. The aromatic profile is powerful yet remarkably refined, balancing dark fruit with mineral precision and cool-climate freshness.
On the palate, it is full-bodied with extraordinary concentration, velvety tannins and vibrant natural acidity. Layers of blackberry, blackcurrant and dark cherry unfold seamlessly across the palate, supported by notes of graphite, black olive, spice and subtle earthy complexity. The granite soils provide a distinctive mineral backbone and exceptional precision, while the co-fermented Cabernet Franc adds freshness, aromatic complexity and finely detailed tannins. The texture is seamless and powerful without excess weight, leading to a long, persistent and beautifully structured finish marked by lingering notes of dark fruits, cocoa, spice and crushed granite. The style is both authoritative and elegant, standing comfortably alongside the finest cool-climate Shiraz blends in Australia.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is one of Australia's benchmark Shiraz blends and an outstanding choice for collectors and lovers of cool-climate Australian reds. Compared to richer Barossa Shiraz, Emily’s Paddock offers greater mineral precision, floral complexity and structural finesse while still delivering immense concentration and depth. The small addition of Cabernet Franc elevates the wine with extra perfume and freshness, creating a style that will appeal equally to lovers of Northern Rhône Syrah and premium Australian Shiraz. The outstanding 2019 vintage is already beginning to show beautiful harmony but has the structure to evolve magnificently over the next 20–25 years. Drink from now with 2–3 hours of decanting or cellar confidently through to 2045 and beyond. Perfect with wagyu beef, roast lamb, venison, beef Wellington, slow-braised short ribs, wild mushrooms or the finest contemporary Australian cuisine.
