Shaw + Smith Australia
A diamond in the rough!
“One of Australia's most iconic wineries.”
- The Wine Consult
Shaw+Smith was established in 1989, and is situated in the heart of the Adelaide Hills, a mere
five minutes drive south of Balhannah.
Their viticultural practices have highly contributed to the quality of their wines, and their brand’s success. Their property spans 55 hectares divided over two vineyards in Balhannah and Lenswood. Nothing was left to chance. The vineyard sites were specifically selected, as were the grape varieties that were planted there.
The vineyard is run sustainably, ensuring vine and soil health, and low yields. All the wines are single varietal, fermented, aged and bottled on-site.
When I visited the cellar door in May 2018, I was able to taste the 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, 2015 & 2016 M3 Chardonnay, 2016 Pinot Noir and 2015 Shiraz. Tasting notes follow below.
Shaw+Smith Sauvignon Blanc 2017 – R.R.P. $28.00 AUD
A very aromatic bouquet of citrus, grapefruit, passionfruit and a slighly herbal note typical of sauvignon.
There’s a great acidity from the get-go, as soon as the wine hits the palate, and that invigorating freshness persists throughout the finish. There’s a lovely zingy sensation to the gums, and the lengthy finish is all about exotic fruits and hints of secondary flavours such as english bonbon.
Delicious.
Drink now. Great by itself on a hot summer’s day, or anytime the rest of the year with some fresh fish and chips.
Shaw+Smith M3 Chardonnay – R.R.P. $49.00 AUD
2015 –An expressive nose significantly lifted by the oak influence. Vanilla, honey, smoke, gun flint, and a very subtle note of new leather that’s very pleasant.
The wine is full-bodied and balanced by a lively acidity that promises great aging potential. White peach, baking spices, and a great aromatic persistence that finishes on walnut and pastry. Awesome!
Drink now, or hold for 5+ years. Will be awesome with grilled barramundi, or even seafood chowder!
2016 – The bouquet is shy , unwilling to open up and, to be honest, a little dusty. With a little swirling, the wine releases aromas of stone fruits and apples.
This wine has medium acidity and the palate is pleasantly chalky. The finish is white fruit dominant, and medium in length.
Hold for a couple of years, then enjoy with roasted poultry.
Shaw+Smith Pinot Noir 2016 – R.R.P. $49.00 AUD
Similarly to the M3 Chardonnay 2016, the bouquet was initially reminiscent of dust. With a little air and time, the bouquet then opened up on to juicy red cherries, blackberries and raspberries.
This medium-bodied wine has a lovely soft mouthfeel to it, backed up by enjoyably bitter silky tannins,; what one would expect from sucking on cherry pits. A refreshing acidity accompanies the tasting from the mid-palate through to the lengthy finish.
Drink now with italian dishes, pasta, pizza, everything tomato.
Shiraz 2015 – R.R.P. $49.00 AUD
Once again, there was dust on the initial bouquet which is pushing me to wonder if there was an issue with the glassware that I was served with. Again, after a little swirling, the bouquet opened up on to over ripe blackcurrant, liquorice and subtle white pepper.
The mouthfeel was soft, plump and juicy. Chubby, but also very elegant, like an 18th century portrait of Marie-Antoinette. A lot of dark fruit hits the palate here. The finish is long and bittersweet, like a sticky date pudding that’s had a shot of Angostura aromatic bitters thrown onto it. Loved it!
Drink young with medium rare lambchops barbecued in provencale herbs, or let it rest for 10+ years and enjoy with a slow cooked lamb shank.
Verdict
Excellent work from Shaw+Smith. On the whole, the wines are expressive, balanced, well structured, and providing complex experiences well representative of each wine’s varietal. Value for money is on par; drink up!
