Grape

Shiraz/Syrah

Its Origins

Shaw + Smith began over a long lunch in 1989 when cousins Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith decided to realise a long held dream to make wine together. Now 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. 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, all grapes continue to be hand-picked, and the wines are fermented, aged and bottled on site at Balhannah. The wines are vibrant, medium bodied expressions of their varieties that reflect their sites and region.

What The Critics Say

97/100 Halliday's Wine Companion, Campbell Mattinson

"Time for a standing ovation. This is superb in its complexity, fruit power and persistence. It's a meaty, clovey, spice-ridden shiraz, but the core is spread with dense plum, redcurrant, anise and violets. That meatiness though: it's gorgeous. And when combined with wood smoke and peppercorns, it puts the stars within reach. It is simply gorgeous." Drink by 2036

96/100 James Suckling

"A cooler vintage has bent this to a peppery and spicy zone with a very fragrant, sappy delivery of bright raspberries, red plums and blackberries. Oak bolsters the spicy direction of the fruit here. The palate has a succulent and mouthwateringly fresh core of red fruit with sleek and long, polished tannins. Red-cherry and plum finish. Drink now."

95/100 The Real Review, Huon Hooke

"Medium to deep colour, with a strong whole-bunch bouquet, very vegetal and undergrowth-like, the palate leanish and nervy, crisp and firm with some astringency and good intensity. It lingers on well and has a sinewy texture. Very spicy and bunchy. A very interesting style - a cool-climate shiraz with power and depth. 06 DEC 2019." Drink 2020 - 2032