2004 Emily's Paddock Shiraz/Cabernet Franc
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Tasting notes
One of the more intriguing efforts tasted is Jasper Hill’s 2004 Shiraz/Cabernet Franc Emily’s Paddock, a blend of 95% Shiraz and 5% Cabernet Franc. It’s hard to believe Cabernet Franc could fight its way through the Shiraz character, but it is made in a completely different style than the Georgia’s Paddock Shiraz. An inky/purple color is followed by hints of graphite, blueberry, and flower scents, full-bodied, powerful flavors, and oodles of glycerin as well as fruit. There is plenty of underlying structure, and the finish is impressively long. Accessible now, it promises to last for 10-15 years. Importer: Gavin Speight, Old Bridge Cellars, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 258-9552
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
(includes 5% cabernet franc) Saturated, inky ruby. Deeply concentrated and pungent on the nose, with iron- and graphite-laden cassis and blackcurrant aromas and a major smack of licorice. The flavors of bitter cherry, blood orange, anise, espresso, chocolate, violet pastille and cured meat show great power but there's a tangy mineral quality, too, that gives this midweight wine terrific thrust. One of those rare Australian wines that combines power with finesse; the balance here is superb, and it seems almost weightless! The finish is a fascinating interplay of earth, mineral, animal and pure dark fruit tones. Absolutely enthralling wine grown on 500 million-year-old Cambrian soil, like its paddock-mates.