Jasper Hill Georgia's Vineyard Riesling 2024

Jasper Hill, established in 1975 by Ron and Elva Laughton in Heathcote, Victoria, is one of Australia's most respected boutique wineries, known for its commitment to organic and biodynamic viticulture. While the estate is particularly famous for its powerful, terroir-driven Shiraz, their Georgia’s Vineyard Riesling has gained a strong reputation for its purity, minerality, and exceptional ageing potential. The 2024 vintage is a standout, following challenging years of drought and extreme heat, and showcases the precision and balance that make this wine so special.

The grapes for this Riesling are sourced from a small, three-hectare, un-irrigated vineyard within Georgia’s Paddock. The vines grow in Heathcote’s famous iron-rich Cambrian soils, a rare, ancient formation that lends a distinct minerality to the wine. Hand-harvested and whole-bunch pressed, the juice undergoes fermentation in stainless steel to retain its freshness and bright acidity. A short period of ageing on fine lees adds texture while allowing the vibrant fruit and natural acidity to shine.

Appearance: Pale lemon-yellow with hints of green, indicating freshness and youth. The wine is brilliantly clear, with a striking luminosity in the glass. When swirled, it forms fine, slow-moving legs, hinting at its balanced concentration and acidity.

Aroma: Fragrant and highly expressive, with intense notes of lime zest, lemon blossom, and white nectarine. Floral elements of jasmine and honeysuckle add a delicate lift, while underlying hints of wet stone, chalk, and a touch of honey bring complexity. As the wine opens up, subtle notes of lemongrass and fresh herbs emerge, enhancing its aromatic intrigue.

Taste: Bright and focused, with a crisp, mouthwatering acidity that drives the palate. Flavours of zesty lime, grapefruit, and green apple dominate, layered with nuances of white peach and lemon curd. A subtle saline minerality runs through the mid-palate, adding depth and structure. While technically dry, the wine carries a whisper of residual sweetness, creating a beautifully balanced interplay between fruit, acidity, and texture.

Finish: Exceptionally long, clean, and precise, with a lingering citrus and mineral aftertaste. The acidity leaves a tingling freshness on the palate, while hints of honeysuckle and wet slate emerge in the final moments, reinforcing the wine’s depth and complexity.

Food Pairing:
Grilled prawns with a squeeze of lemon, where the wine’s piercing acidity and citrus-driven profile enhance the natural sweetness of the seafood.
Spicy Thai green curry, as the wine’s slight off-dry character and fresh acidity provide a refreshing contrast to the dish’s heat and aromatic coconut base