Description
Shaw & Smith’s first vintage was in 1990, and have over 30 years of winemaking experience in the Adelaide Hills. Founded by cousins Michael Hill-Smith MW and Martin Shaw who are now supported by a formidable team of wine professionals. Making modern expressions of cool-climate wines that reflect site and climate. Own and farm vineyards in Lenswood, Balhannah, Piccadilly and most recently Lobethal. Committed to growing the best grapes possible and managing the vineyards in a sustainable fashion with an uncompromising pursuit of quality – all wines are fermented, aged and bottled onsite at Balhannah.
About this wine from the winemakers: “From Piccadilly and Lenswood. In December the vines looked like they were going to be very late to the party. It’s always a nervous moment, as with the crops out there for longer, fruit can be subject to a number of negative factors. Happily, conditions stayed mild and relatively dry, apart from a few well-timed showers that kept the vines healthy.
“Our third La Nina influenced season in a row, 2023 was a late, cool, and wet season. The result was the latest vintage that we’ve experienced, with excellent acidity and lovely cool season flavours.
“Hand picked and sorted in the vineyard, around 80% of the grapes are then destemmed at the winery. Whole berries and bunches undergo a slow and gentle fermentation, allowing us to maintain the delicacy and elegance of the fruit, while extracting optimal flavour and tannin. Wine is matured in French oak barrels for about 8 months.
“Detailed aromas of spice, dark cherry and brambly undergrowth. There is tannin and tension on the palate, but with the effortless grace of cool vintage fruit and freshness. Deceptively powerful for a cool and late vintage; one that grows and grows in the glass.”
94 points, James Suckling “Lifted and perfumed aromas of raspberries, wild strawberries, cassia bark and potpourri. The palate is medium-bodied with finely integrated tannins and bright acidity, showing notes of blueberry bush, rhubarb and spices. A lovely balance of bright and lifted fruit with a savory undertone. Delicious.”
93 points, Shanteh Wale, Wine Pilot“In case you were not aware you are drinking some of the first grapes picked from the S+S high density planting of the Piccadilly vineyard. Satsuma plum, pomegranate, lapsang souchong tea and blackberry. Black cardamom, allspice and long pepper. Grated nutmeg, white pepper and tobacco leaf. A hint of terra cotta and sandy middle palate tannins. Acidity is kept at bay without being sluggish. A wine that goes with the flow and showcases the exotic perfume the Hills can achieve. Drink now and serve with Argentinian beef empanadas. “
RRP $68 Our Special Price $49.99 when you buy 6 or more
