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, and Shiraz thrives in it. The Adelaide Hills has a reputation for high quality, but also has lots of diversity that makes it one of Australia’s most exciting cool climate regions. We go after vine and soil health, and happy, balanced vines. Our Shiraz at Balhannah is certified organic, and we work closely with our growers to help them grow great grapes sustainably.
“Our third La Niña 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, then either destemmed and fermented as whole berries, or fermented as whole bunches, stems and all. We like gentle handling and long ferments so the tannins are fine, and the perfume of cool climate Shiraz is not lost. Matured in mainly older French oak for around 12 months.
“The perfume and elegance of cool season Shiraz is balanced with the complexity that comes from extended time in barrel. Violets and baking spice are met with a hint of black olive on the powerful mid-palate which is framed by grippy tannins that taper on the finish.”
95 ponts, Jeni Port, Wine Pilot “The epitome of cool climate Shiraz style: medium bodied, a spicy delight, flows smoothly and leaves a lasting impression. Moves briskly, too, and with focus zeroing in on black cherry, plum and dried cranberry fruits spiced up no end in pepper-berry, black pepper, dark spices, dusty cocoa and herbs that come alive on the tastebuds. The producer was an early promoter of Adelaide Hills Shiraz and gets to the heart of what is so good about the style, keeping oak maturation in the background and allowing the fruit to sing, aided and abetted by a bright acidity and fine knit tannins. Hints of a black olive savouriness add to the excitement factor – which is already running high – and help close this smart, super elegant Shiraz.”
94 points, Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front ” Deeply savoury and ‘bunchy’ but flooded with sweet fruit as well. A trio of peppers: bell pepper, peppercorn and black pepper flavours run through black cherry, plum, smoked meat and undergrowth. There’s a touch of gum leaf as well, but minor. If you like a cooler, more herbal expression of shiraz you will love this.”
RRP $69 Our Special Price $51.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine
