2016 Shaw + Smith 'M3' Chardonnay Adelaide Hills

Winemaker Notes:Aiming for elegance, restraint and the ability to age, acid is bright and there’s generosity of flavour. Typically it shows white flowers, citrus, and nectarine notes. Food Pairing: Superb alongside grilled Pacific Sea Bass with a caper butter. sauce.

The Shaw + Smith winery was built in 2000, giving us the ability to whole-bunch press cold grapes, and allowing the evolution of style reflected in the first M3 Chardonnay from that 2000 vintage. The most significant event since then came in 2012 with the purchase of the Lenswood vineyard. Chardonnay was originally planted in Lenswood for sparkling wine production but as site knowledge has evolved, it now fulfils its potential for fine still wine, with finesse, flavor, and great natural acidity. Hand picked and whole bunch pressed. Fermented and matured on lees in French oak barriques and puncheons. 

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


James Suckling - "A very complex and very composed chardonnay, delivering plenty of yellow grapefruit and white peaches with gently nutty elements. The right mix of fresh acidity and fleshy fruit. Impressive style and grace. Drink now.”

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - "The 2016 M3 Chardonnay kicks off with trace aromas of struck match and roasted cashew, then opens into grilled pineapple and peach. It's medium to full-bodied, providing a generous mid-palate of fruit, then tightens up and refocuses on the citrus-laden finish. It's one of the best M3 Chards I can recall tasting, showing lovely balance and complexity."