Jasper Hill Emily’s Paddock Shiraz Cabernet Franc 2008 

Emily’s Paddock Shiraz and Cabernet Franc comes from the smallest vineyard on the estate with nothing else planted on it but the grapes for this wine. 3% Cabernet Franc is co-planted with the Shiraz and also co-harvested and co-fermented. The style here is tighter, structured, somewhat backward and yet lends an enticing earthy / savory complexity. The 2008 Emily’s Paddock Shiraz and Cabernet Franc possesses a medium-deep garnet color and earthy, mineral aromas with some iron ore, loam, fresh blackberry, a touch of black olive and violets all coming through on the nose. Fine firm tannins and crisp acidity give taut structure to this full-bodied, almost old-world style wine. The finish is very long. Lisa Perrotti-Brown