Jasper Hill Georgia's Paddock

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Mar 12, 2005 11:52 am

Just wondering if a Jasper Hill Georgias Paddock 2003 is worthy of tight cellar space? I hav'nt tried this wine but have read Jeremy Olivers review claiming that the vineyard is drought affected and it shows in the fruit. Is it far behind its stablemate?

Chow Chow · Post by **Chow Chow** » Sat Mar 12, 2005 2:15 pm

Jeremy Oliver is also the culprit who awarded the '99 Georgia 16.x pts. The '99 happened to be my best Georgia circa 96 - 2001. Hevent had the 02/03 but I can vouch, any Georgia is damm good and Ron Loughton dont make bad wine.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Mar 12, 2005 2:49 pm

Was 2003 an average vintage in Heathcote?

Chow Chow · Post by **Chow Chow** » Sat Mar 12, 2005 3:06 pm

Vintage Report 2003

Bendigo/ Heathcote
Due to the dry conditions, red yields are down 25% on estimate. The red harvest is of great quality with deep colours and flavours and Baume reading up to 15 degrees. The Shiraz harvest has now finished. Small berries with deep, vibrant colours and intense varietal flavours have been produced this vintage. The resulting wines show great structure and characters. This region is up to three weeks early and will be finished by the first week of April

btw. Heathcote is a microclimate in Bendigo. The dryest and hottest.

Maximus · Post by **Maximus** » Sat Mar 12, 2005 4:45 pm

Halliday rates Heathcote an 8/10 for '03, and Bendigo 7/10.

I tried the '03 Jasper Hill George at a vertical tasting that Ron hosted in Brisbane about nine months ago, I think just prior to its release. Must say I wasn't that impressed - found it lacking fruit intensity and structure, especially when compared to the '02, '01 and '99 which were all fantastic. Perhaps it needs more bottle time to integrate, but in any case, I'd suggest trying a bottle before buying a dozen for your cellar.