Description
Shaw + Smith, established in 1989 by cousins Michael Hill Smith MW and Martin Shaw, is a winery that has become synonymous with excellence in the Adelaide Hills region of South Australia.
Their unwavering focus on varietals that thrive in the cooler Hills climate, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz, has resulted in wines that are truly exceptional.
With three vineyards located in Lenswood, Piccadilly, and Balhannah, Shaw + Smith is dedicated to growing the best possible grapes.
They place great importance on managing their vineyards sustainably, valuing vine health, soil health and low yields.
This commitment to vineyard management is central to their approach, ensuring that only the finest grapes make their way into their wines.
The winemaking process at Shaw + Smith is a testament to their pursuit of quality.
The wines are fermented, aged and bottled on-site at their Balhannah winery, showcasing the meticulous care and attention that goes into every bottle.
This hands-on approach allows them to capture the vibrant and modern expressions of their varieties, sites, and the season.
In 1999, Shaw + Smith took a significant step forward with the purchase of a property in Balhannah.
This allowed them to not only plant vines but also build a state-of-the-art winery and tasting room, which was completed just in time for the 2000 vintage.
This expansion marked a turning point for the winery, solidifying their presence in the Adelaide Hills and setting the stage for future success.
At the heart of Shaw + Smith’s winemaking philosophy is their commitment to owning and carefully managing three distinct vineyards in the Adelaide Hills.
Located in Balhannah, Lenswood, and Piccadilly Valley, these vineyards cover a total of 60 hectares.
The team at Shaw + Smith firmly believes that the key to producing the highest quality grapes lies in cultivating healthy vines in healthy soils.
With a deep appreciation for the potential of the Adelaide Hills, Shaw + Smith’s love for Riesling has been a driving force behind their winemaking journey.
They firmly believe that this region has the ability to produce exceptional Rieslings with remarkable ageing potential.
Such is their dedication to finding the perfect sites for growing Riesling grapes that Shaw + Smith even took a hiatus from producing Riesling between 2010 and 2013.
This hiatus allowed them to search for and identify the preferred sites that would meet their exacting standards.
In 2014, they found the sites that would become the foundation for their exceptional Riesling production.
Understanding that site selection is of utmost importance, Shaw + Smith ensures that their vineyards are meticulously managed.
The team employs sustainable vineyard practices, recognizing that a healthy ecosystem is crucial for producing grapes of the highest caliber.
By maintaining vine health and soil health, Shaw + Smith sets the stage for the creation of wines that truly reflect the unique attributes of their vineyard sites.
A Pinot Noir of delicacy and fragrance, with fresh acid, and subtle layers of flavour and texture.
Already open and expressive on the nose, with red fruit and spice.
Bursting with flavour on the palate, with cherry, strawberry, and raspberry, toasted spices, and flowing through to firm but very fine tannins on the finish.
Remarkable intensity for a wine so light on its feet.
Good depth of red-purple colour, bright, the bouquet quite foresty in a strongly whole-bunchy style, dark and red cherry, blackberry and raspberry nuances, some clove/ginger/angelica traces, complex and beguiling.
Great palate intensity with fine grained tannins and plenty of extract backing it up.
A multi-dimensional pinot which entertains to the last.
(All clone 114).
– Huon Hooke, The Real Review, 97 Points.
Medium Crimson.
Fresh strawberry pastille, raspberry, hint of chinotto aromas with underlying savoury notes.
Beautifully balanced wine with strawberry pastille, raspberry, fine bittersweet tannins and some vanilla notes.
Builds up al dente and juicy at the finish.
Very fruity and buoyant with attractive venosity and freshness.
Drink now – 2028.
– Andrew Caillard, 95 Points.
The Finer Details Style – Red Wine Varietal – Pinot Noir Country – Australia Region – Adelaide Hills, South Australia Vintage – 2021 Bottle Size – 1.5L ABV – 13.5%
