Description
Beginnings: Established by winemaker Martin Shaw and Master
of Wine Michael Hill Smith in 1989.
Winemakers: Adam Wadewitz and Martin Shaw.
Vision: To make exciting, refined wines exclusively from the Adelaide
Hills that reflect our sites and climate. Vineyards: Shaw + Smith own three vineyards in the Adelaide Hills, at Balhannah, Lenswood and Piccadilly
Valley, totalling 60 hectares. Our aim is to grow the highest possible quality grapes from healthy vines grown in healthy soils.
Style: The cool season gave us flavours in the lemon, lime, and pink grapefruit spectrum, with a touch extra energy and acidity adding to the freshness. A classic expression of a cooler year.
Season: Our third La Niña influenced season in a row, 2023 was late, cool and wet. The result was the latest to ripen vintage that we’ve experienced, excellent acidity and lovely cool season flavours. The rainfall, coupled with slow ripening, posed some challenges, and it was a real year for the vigneron. Great attention to detail was needed to keep mildew and botrytis at bay, but the payoff was some terrific fruit, when it was finally ready to pick.
Source: From our estate vineyards at Balhannah and Lenswood, complemented by fruit from a small number of highly valued growers.
Vinification: 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.
Background: 2023 is the 34th vintage that Shaw + Smith has made. It has become known as a benchmark for Adelaide Hills, and Australian, Sauvignon Blanc.
Serve: A great aperitif or serve with seafood. Ideal temperature is 6-8°C.
Cellar potential: Best drunk within 18 months of bottling.
Shaw + Smith was established in 1989 by cousins Michael Hill Smith MW and Martin Shaw. They focus on varieties that suit the cooler Hills climate: Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz. Shaw + Smith own three vineyards, in Lenswood, Piccadilly and Balhannah.
Growing the best possible grapes, managing vineyards sustainably, and valuing vine health, soil health, and low yields are central to the Shaw + Smith approach. In the pursuit of quality the wines are fermented, aged and bottled on site at Balhannah. The wines are vibrant, modern expressions of their varieties, their sites and the season.
Shaw + Smith’s first vintage was in 1990 and in 1999 they purchased a property at Balhannah, where they planted vines, and built the winery and tasting room in time for the 2000 vintage. As the business has grown Michael and Martin have built a formidable team - including Master of Wine and Joint CEO David LeMire, Senior Winemaker and Joint CEO Adam Wadewitz, CFO Grant Lovelock and Group Viticulturist Murray Leake.
https://www.shawandsmith.com/
Payment & Security
Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.