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.
Adelaide Hills is considered the best place for Sauvignon Blanc in Australia and Shaw & Smith are widely regarded as the benchmark for this variety in the country. 2025 is the 36th vintage that Shaw + Smith has made.
About this wine from the winemakers: “From our estate vineyards at Balhannah and Lenswood, grown on loams over clay with ironstone and quartzite. These vineyards are certified organic, and we work closely with our growers to help them grow great grapes sustainably.
“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.
“Carefully pressed grapes were fermented at cool temperatures, and protected from oxygen throughout. Some time in tank on yeast lees followed, helping to build palate texture and complexity.
“There’s a real drinkability to this release, with the warmer season lending generosity of fruit in the form of pink grapefruit, fresh lime and citrus blossom. The palate is long and textural with a refreshing, piquant twist.” A great aperitif or serve with seafood. Ideal temperature is 6-8°C. Best drunk within 18 months of bottling.”
93 points, Mike Bennie, Halliday Wine Companion “Perhaps one of Australia’s most recognisable white wines, or at least one that delivers reliable quality and drinkability each year. It’s charming in its glide and gloss to texture, a little bite of freshness through the finish. The perfume and palate match well in green pear, light passionfruit and guava notes, pretty citrus lift and a faint riff of green herbs. A good intensity and concentration of flavour. It’s pretty and pitch perfect; nails the variety and has a sense of upfront charm.”
91 points, Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front “If you rock up to the wine fridge at your local and grab this as your staple, how are you doing? Not bad, I’d say. You get fruit flavour served squeaky clean. You get a slip of texture, like white grape skins, soft but with a bit of grab. You get apple, pear, tropical fruit and citrus flavours, all whispered with lemongrass. It throws punches of flavour but none of them are at your face.”
90 points, Huon Hooke, The Real Review “Pale, almost colourless appearance in the glass; fresh, reserved and attractive aromas of fresh salad greens, cut radish, lantana and kiwi-fruit. Delicate palate with life and verve, plenty of fruit which is still delicate and reserved and will undoubtedly fill out further in the coming months. The wine is dry on the finish and aftertaste with a little texture from phenolics at the core, finishing with good persistence.”
RRP $39 Our Special Price $29.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine
