2004 Jasper Hill Emily's Paddock Shiraz Cabernet Franc 750ml

Overview

The 2004 Jasper Hill Emily's Paddock Shiraz Cabernet Franc 750ml is a mature single-vineyard red from Jasper Hill in Heathcote, Victoria. Predominantly Shiraz with Cabernet Franc, Emily's Paddock is recognised for its concentrated fruit, firm tannin structure and distinctive combination of dark fruit, spice and savoury complexity.

Repeatedly praised in retrospective tastings, the 2004 vintage has shown exceptional consistency and longevity. Its considerable fruit density, fine chocolate-like tannins and persistent mineral structure have established it as a particularly distinguished mature release from this renowned Heathcote vineyard.

Vintage & Winemaking

The 2004 vintage produced an immensely concentrated expression of Emily's Paddock, with deep-set dark fruit, considerable mid-palate density and a firm structural backbone. Early retrospective assessment highlighted blackberry, musky plum, ginger and liquorice, supported by abundant fruit sweetness and finely textured tannins.

With further bottle development, the wine revealed dark cherry, cola, chinotto, dark chocolate and herbal characters alongside mocha, espresso and cedar-like oak complexity. Its balance of concentrated fruit, persistent tannins and mineral freshness has allowed the wine to develop gradually while retaining substantial vitality.

Product Highlights

• Single-vineyard release from Jasper Hill in Heathcote
• Powerful and deeply concentrated Shiraz Cabernet Franc
• Awarded 97 points by Andrew Caillard MW in 2017
• Received 96 points in both the 2007 and 2012 retrospective tastings
• Described as a classic vintage in its most recent official assessment
• Highly regarded mature Australian collectible wine

Tasting Notes

Appearance

Medium-deep crimson, retaining impressive colour, depth and vitality for its age.

Aroma

Concentrated aromas of blackberry, musky plum and dark cherry are layered with ginger, cola, chinotto and dark chocolate. Mocha, espresso, cedar and subtle leafy notes add further mature complexity.

Palate

Generous and deeply concentrated, with dark cherry, blackberry and dark chocolate flavours supported by liquorice, praline and spicy herbal notes. The wine retains excellent mid-palate density, with fine, persistent chocolate-like tannins and well-integrated mocha and espresso complexity.

Finish

Long, firm and mineral, with lingering dark fruit, chocolate, espresso and subtle leafy characters carried by fine, persistent tannins.

Food Pairing

The 2004 Jasper Hill Emily's Paddock Shiraz Cabernet Franc pairs beautifully with:

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

Serving Temperature: 17–18°C

Cellaring Potential

The 2004 Emily's Paddock is mature and ready to drink, yet the most recent official retrospective assessment indicated that well-cellared bottles may continue developing through approximately 2045. Present condition and remaining longevity will depend on storage history, fill level and closure integrity, and bottle variation should be expected in a wine of this age.

Recommended drinking window: Drink now–2030.