The 2005 Shiraz “Georgia’s Paddock” was aged in 20% new French and American oak. Yields for the wine were a meager 1.5 tons per acre. It exhibits an enticing perfume of smoke, pencil lead, mineral, blueberry, and blackberry. Made in an elegant style, the wine has lots of spice, rich flavors, plenty of depth, and a long finish. Drink it over the next 10-12 years. Jasper Hill is one of the top guns in Heathcote. The winery practices organic viticulture, dry farming, and has recently entered into a joint venture with Michel Chapoutier to develop a vineyard adjacent to the existing property. Importer: Gavin Speight, Old Bridge Cellars, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 258-9552; www.jasperhill.com

Bright and distinctly peppery on the nose, this is savory and appealing for its polished frame and range of dark berry flavors against notes of cedar and coffee. Not as tart as some Heathcote wines. Drink now through 2015. 64 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Victoria / Heathcote Select to Add

This is a charming paradox of a wine, one that manages to be full-bodied and creamy-textured without being heavy or overly alcoholic, resulting in a wine of great elegance. The raspberry and cherry fruit offers some herbal nuances as well, ending on a spicy, tobacco-leaf note. Drinkable now, but should evolve positively through 2015 at least.——J.C.(4/1/2009)—— 90