2016 Shaw + Smith Shiraz Adelaide Hills

Winemaker Notes: Shaw + Smith Shiraz is a medium-bodied cool-climate Shiraz, in which balance is more important than power. The 2016 has intensity and generosity, showing darker fruits: a reflection of an excellent warm, yet even, season. Decant and enjoy with slow-cooked lamb shoulder.

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 - "So beautiful and polished with extremely soft and tender tannins that give form to this ripe and enticing shiraz. Plums and wet earth, as well as dusty and grilled-meat undertones.”

Decanter - "Lovers of Côte-Rôtie will find plenty to enjoy here: generous, complex and layered aromas and flavours that run the gamut of bacon fat, chocolate, mulberry, raspberry, black pepper and anise to lifted violets and even tropical mango tones. At once massive yet poised, with a silky textured palate, well-integrated oak and lovely acid balance. "

Wine & Spirits - "Think intense and fragrant black-fruited pinot and you’ll be close to the vinous character of this shiraz. Shaw + Smith is the collaboration started in 1989 between cousins Michael Hill Smith, MW and Martin Shaw, now including 136 acres of vines in the cool reaches of the Adelaide Hills. Shaw combines whole berries and whole bunches in his open-top fermenters, aging the wine in French oak barrels, one-third new. The concentration of the fruit stands up to that oak, so you feel the power instead in the sensation of grape-skin tannins, firm, juicy and fragrant themselves. If you tend to prefer Old World wines, consider this New World red for its elegance. And if you love great Aussie shiraz, don’t miss it."