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: “It’s high, it’s cool, it’s wet, and in the higher reaches of the Adelaide Hills, Pinot Noir performs exceptionally well. The majority of fruit for this wine was sourced from our Lenswood and Piccadilly vineyards, grown on loams over clay and quartz.
“A long, even growing season encouraged well formed bunches and healthy fruit development. While conditions were warmer and drier than we’ve seen in recent years, overnight temperatures remained cool throughout ripening, resulting in flavourful bunches with high natural acidity. Fruit was hand-picked between 10 February and 1 March.
“After hand-picking, we sort the bunches, discarding anything that is below par, then destem about 80% of the grapes. Fermentation is done slowly and gently, keeping the delicacy and elegance of the fruit, but taking the time to extract all the flavour and tannin that we can. Then the wine is basket pressed into French oak puncheons where it rests for about 8 months.
“Bright and aromatic with notes of red fruit, mandarin peel and violet. The palate shows depth and complexity, with layers of savoury spice, undergrowth and subtle amaro unfolding in the glass. Fine, integrated tannins give structure and length to remarkable depth and fruit intensity.”
Gold Medal and 95 points, 2026 International Wine & Spirit Competion ” A captivating nose revealing hibiscus, redcurrant and stewed strawberry leads to a plush palate brimming with morello cherry, dried herbs, and anise. An energetic wine with a layered complexity and chalky tannins, ending on a long finish. “
94 points, Campbell Mattinson “This is a spicy, floral, effusive Pinot Noir with fragrance aplenty and ample life, lift and fruit on the palate. It’s attractive up front but the longer I sat with it the more it opened up and the higher I rated it. It tastes and smells of red licorice, red cherry, cedar, purple flowers, sweet spice and smoked meat, and comes with a firm, grippy, spice-studded finish. It’s very Shaw + Smith in a good way. Clean, polished, fragrant, whispered with reduction, structured, modern.”
RRP $69 Our Special Price $52.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine.
