Emily McNally has spent the past two decades furthering the legacy of her parents, Ron and Elva Laughton, who bought a young vineyard in the late 1970s in Heathcote and established the iconic Jasper Hill. In this episode, host Anna Webster asks Emily why her parents chose Heathcote, how the region earned its identity (and her family’s role in it), what “organic and dry grown” actually means on the ground, why they’re picking grapes earlier than they used to, and adapting to a hotter, less predictable climate. We also dig into Jasper Hill’s key vineyards, Emily’s Paddock and Georgia’s Paddock, the wines in the glass, and the honest commercial reality of selling wine – particularly shiraz – in 2026. Jasper HillHalliday Wine Companion Halliday Wine Companion on Instagram Halliday Wine Club Buy the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion LANGTONS LANGTONS on Instagram PLUMM PLUMM on Instagram In this episode 00:00 Welcome to 2026, and why Jasper Hill moved to Heathcote01:20 First vintage (1982) and making great wine with minimal gear01:50 Heathcote before it was an official GI, and putting the region on the label early02:40 Chauncy, Heathcote’s iconic restaurant, and the family connection04:15 How Heathcote has changed (slowly), and why bookings matter at cellar doors05:10 Growing up on a vineyard, resilience, and the winding road into winemaking06:50 Vintage in Italy, and learning by doing07:20 The “slow transition” of taking over from her parents10:35 Emily’s Paddock vs Georgia’s Paddock, aspects, soils, and varieties12:55 Organic, dry grown, biodynamics, and keeping soil alive14:10 Climate change: Drier winters, heavier spring rain, and picking 4–6 weeks earlier16:10 Fire, recovery, and what you do when a block is gone19:35 The Jasper Hill range, plus “Georgia and Friends” and why it appears22:10 Lo Stesso Fiano: Why fiano, how it tastes, and how it differs by grower24:50 Emily’s Paddock co-ferment: Balancing shiraz ripeness and cabernet franc greenness28:50 When to drink Jasper Hill: The 10–12 year sweet spot29:45 Occam’s Razor: Origin story, sourcing changes, and a lighter Heathcote shiraz33:10 Picking earlier now: Climate and taste, plus the legal shift around must additions36:05 Labels, history, and why some things do not change37:00 Is shiraz “out of favour”? Oversupply, choice, exports, and selling in 202641:30 What’s next: Vintage 2026 looks smaller, and how they are managing it42:25 Visiting Jasper Hill: By appointment, and please do not DM on Instagram Wines and bottles mentioned Jasper Hill: Georgia’s Paddock Shiraz, Emily’s Paddock Shiraz Cabernet Franc, Georgia’s Paddock Nebbiolo, Georgia’s Paddock Riesling Occam’s Razor Shiraz (Emily’s label) Lo Stesso Fiano (collaboration, fiano focus) “Georgia and Friends” and “The Sisters” (made when seasons force the hand) Places and people mentioned Heathcote, Victoria (region identity, GI conversation) Chauncy, Heathcote (restaurant) Georgia Roberts (partner in Lo Stesso) Chalmers Vineyard (fruit component referenced in discussion) Key takeaways Regional identity is made, not granted. Heathcote did not always exist as a recognised region, and championing place mattered early. Organic is a year-round commitment. Composting, cover crops, and soil life are not marketing lines, they are workload. Climate is changing the calendar. Picking earlier is now normal, not exceptional. Selling wine is harder right now. More choice, global oversupply, and softer consumption means more effort for fewer sales. Legacy succession is rarely a moment. The handover from founders to the next generation can be a long, respectful fade rather than a handoff. Partners: LANGTONS The Halliday Wine Companion Podcast is presented by LANGTONS. PLUMM Glassware This season is also supported by PLUMM, official glassware sponsor of the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast. Thirsty for more? Join the Halliday Wine Club for premium 95+ point wines delivered monthly. Visit winecompanion.com.au or check the show notes to subscribe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
