1999 Jasper Hill Emily's Paddock Shiraz Cabernet Franc 750ml

Overview

The 1999 Jasper Hill Emily's Paddock Shiraz Cabernet Franc 750ml is a mature single-vineyard release from Jasper Hill in Heathcote, Victoria. Predominantly Shiraz with Cabernet Franc, Emily's Paddock is known for its concentrated fruit, savoury complexity and firmer tannin structure.

At release, the 1999 vintage was described as more assertively tannic than the preceding years, with a substantial, textured character and distinctive notes of mixed spice, berries, smoke and savoury meatiness. Now fully mature, it offers an opportunity to experience a developed expression of one of Heathcote's most recognised Shiraz-based wines.

Vintage & Winemaking

Emily's Paddock is Jasper Hill's smallest vineyard, covering approximately 2.7 hectares on an easterly facing slope. Naturally low yields contribute to the vineyard's intense flavours and characteristically firm tannin profile.

The Shiraz and Cabernet Franc are harvested together and co-fermented with natural yeasts. The wine remains on skins for five to six weeks before gentle pressing and maturation for 12 months in French oak. The 1999 release combined concentrated fruit with prominent tannins, natural structure and a long, savoury finish.

Product Highlights

• Single-vineyard release from Jasper Hill's smallest vineyard
• Shiraz and Cabernet Franc co-fermented with natural yeasts
• Extended skin contact for five to six weeks
• Matured for 12 months in French oak
• Awarded 95 points by Andrew Caillard MW in 2012
• Rare mature release from the 1999 Heathcote vintage

Tasting Notes

Appearance

Medium to deep crimson with mature garnet tones, showing the colour development expected of a wine from this vintage.

Aroma

Complex aromas of dark cherry, mint chocolate and mocha are layered with smoke, tobacco leaf, sage, cedar and savoury meaty notes. Further mature nuances of dried fig, espresso, graphite and polished wood may emerge with air.

Palate

Concentrated and firmly structured, with dark cherry, chocolate and panforte flavours supported by tobacco, herbs and savoury oak. The tannins are chalky and persistent, while the mature fruit retains a degree of sweetness and richness through the mid-palate.

Finish

Long and savoury, with lingering dark chocolate, tobacco, graphite and firm, slightly grippy tannins.

Food Pairing

The 1999 Jasper Hill Emily's Paddock Shiraz Cabernet Franc pairs beautifully with:

• Dry-aged ribeye steak
• Slow-roasted lamb shoulder
• Braised beef cheeks
• Roast venison
• Mature cheddar or aged Comté

Serving Temperature: 17–18°C

Cellaring Potential

The 1999 Emily's Paddock is now fully mature and should be considered ready to drink. As the most recent published retrospective drinking window concluded in 2025, further ageing is not recommended without strong provenance and excellent storage conditions. Bottle variation should be expected in a wine of this age.