Shaw + Smith owns two vineyards in the Adelaide Hills, at Balhannah and Lenswood, totalling 55 hectares. The vineyards are planted to varieties that perform particularly well in the region, namely Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz.
Shaw + Smith was established in 1989 by cousins Michael Hill Smith MW and Martin Shaw. They make wines exclusively from the Adelaide Hills, from varieties that suit the cooler climate: Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz. Shaw + Smith own two vineyards, in Lenswood and Balhannah. Balhannah is also home to the winery where the Tasting Room is open daily.
Shaw + Smith’s first vintage was in 1990, and the early vintages were made at Wirra Wirra and Petaluma. 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. In 2012 they purchased an established 20-hectare vineyard in Lenswood. As the business has grown Michael and Martin have built a formidable team to continue the evolution of Shaw + Smith, including Master of Wine David LeMire, Senior Winemaker Adam Wadewitz, Business Manager Grant Lovelock, and Group Viticulturist Murray Leake.
The 2013 is still a very perfumed wine with dark cherry and savoury undertones. The palate shows balanced red fruits with spices and dried Italian herbs. A graphite-like earthiness contributes to a savoury core that underpins the great depth and complexity of this wine.
A distinct evolution has happened around this wine with a more fragrant, spicy, lithe, and lively style taking shape here. Smells of ripe red and dark cherries, cassis, blackberry, and plum fruits abound with plenty of spice and gently toasty oak. There's a distinctive graphite-like edge, and whole bunches shine through. The palate has immense depth and flavoursome reach with very neatly articulated, even, and fine tannins. The core has plum and blackberry flavour, with a long, juicy, and fresh finish. A step in the more modern, upbeat, and delicious direction for this wine.