Paradise IV Chaumont, Geelong
The Paradise IV vineyard site is 2.5 hectares and the varieties grown are Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Paradise IV vintage is always much later than other vineyards in the Geelong region because the site is cooled most summer evenings by south-easterly sea breezes channelling up the Moorabool Valley. This beneficial factor allows flavour development to occur slowly.
"Time to add Paradise IV to the list of top Geelong producers…"
Campbell Mattison, The Winefront.
The wines have intensity, perfume and balance – they are in a more European style. The vineyard is low-cropped and all fruit is hand-picked. Traditional winemaking techniques are employed with natural ferments and natural malolactic being an integral element of the style and character of the wines. High-quality French oak barrels are selected for use but the style sees the oak disappear into the wines, never dominating them.
Unusually supple and stylish, perfectly harmonious and balanced, this long, effortless and deeply scented red reveals an alluring perfume of red flowers, sweet red berries, cassis, fragrant sweet oak backed by a dusting of dried herbs. Underpinned by silky, mouthwatering tannins, its pristine, juicy red fruit seamlessly knits with fresh cedar/vanilla oak, finishing with a gentle but vibrant acidity. Totally beguiling, long and focused.
96 points, JeremyOliver.com
Spice and bacon and berry. Intense. Full-bodied, with soft and silky tannins and a fruity finish. Love the tangy fruit and bright finish. Juicy. Cabernet Sauivgnon, Shiraz and Cabernt Franc. So drinkable now but can wait.
92 points, JamesSuckling.com (August 2012)
Victoria’s first commercial wine was produced in Geelong by Swiss immigrants in 1845. During the mid- 1800’s Geelong was the largest grape-growing region in Victoria with 400 hectares under vine. When phylloxera struck in the 1870s however, the vines were decimated and it was not until the late 1960’s that the area’s vineyards were re-established. Located about 80 km southwest of Melbourne, Geelong has a cool maritime climate with low rainfall and prevalent cool blustery winds that affect flowering and Franceuit set. Soils are diverse, mostly volcanic over limestone with some lesser quality black soils. The region is dotted primarily with family owned wineries producing small quantities of high quality Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz & Cabernet Sauvignon.
