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 it’s a great place to grow Chardonnay. The Adelaide Hills has a reputation for high quality, but also has lots of diversity. The majority of fruit for this wine was sourced from our Lenswood, Piccadilly and Lobethal vineyards, grown on loams over clay and quartz, and complemented with fruit from a handful of trusted growers.
“About 2024 – Cool and wet conditions during flowering interrupted berry set, resulting in smaller, lighter bunches. The remainder of the season was mostly mild and dry, with a few well-timed rain events supporting vine growth and health. The result was low yields, high acidity and great flavour, with fruit hand-picked between 20 February and 15 March.”
“Hand-picked grapes are whole bunch pressed, then gently squeezed to the finest French oak barrels for fermentation. Here they spend 9 months, undergoing primary and secondary (malolactic) fermentation. Batches are then blended in stainless steel vats before bottling.”
“Fresh and fine, with lovely nectarine, and lemon pith flavours. The palate is powerful and textured with fine acidity and trademark M3 fruit intensity at its core.”
95 points, James Suckling “Precise, minerally and laser focused with a lovely hint of reduction, giving aromas of salty lemon peel, grapefruit, pie crust, nectarines and flint. The palate is tightly wound with a medium-bodied mouthfeel and a creamy yet energetic and bright palate, showing flavors of white peaches, pomelo and nectarines. A tightly wound and bright wine that will evolve nicely over time. Drink or hold. Screw cap.”
94 points, Mike Bennie, Halliday Wine Companion “A fine, flinty, tense and taut chardonnay set to a leaner expression. Still, it dials in enough peachy fruit, tart citrus freshness and lithe nougat notes, with touches of green herb and cinnamon spice in tow. That reads like a good and long list, and it is. The wine offers drinkers a more refreshing, fine expression, with minerality as a byword. Very polished, too. Neat.”
RRP $68 Our Special Price $49.99 when you buy 6 or more.
