2023 Shaw and Smith Lenswood Chardonnay

Grape
Chardonnay
Its Origins
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. 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, Mike Bennie
"From 500m above sea level. You can smell the flint and struck match from a foot away from the glass. It's of a distinct style, all minerally, chalky-puckering and racy, but there's enough depth of flavour to titillate and please all comers, while being distinctly savoury and complex. Fantastic. Almond friand amongst green apple, grapefruit, mineral water, lime with umami-like characters rolling through. Touches of parmesan and sea spray also here. You could keep the descriptors rolling. Utterly fantastic wine, where flavour is paramount, texture is stellar, length is outstanding; it's refreshing, and the wine is just straight-up delicious. Kudos." Drink 2024 - 2038
97/100 James Suckling
"Mineral-edged and steely, with aromas of grapefruit, phosphorous, preserved lemons, sea salt, lime leaves and lemon curd. The palate is highly strung, with precise acidity and an energetic palate that leads to a medium-bodied mouthfeel with brooding power that will resolve with time in the bottle. A cool-vintage chardonnay that is finely constructed. Drink or hold. Screw cap."
96/100 The Wine Front, Gary Walsh
"A bit of struck match here, but also lots of nashi pear, fairly dripping with flavour, cinnamon laced pasty dough, grapefruit, nougat, a bit of a salty manzanilla tang too, mint and chamomile. It’s saline and savoury, a powdery grip to texture, aniseed perfume, and again that salty pistachio thing on a finish of excellent length. Sophisticated style. Saline. Very adult. And very very good. Yes." Drink 2025 - 2033+
Variety | Chardonnay |
---|---|
Region | South Australia |
Closure | Cap |
Volume | 750ml |
Alcohol | 13.50% |
Maturity | 2024 - 2038 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
We deliver throughout New Zealand and to some locations overseas. Our deliveries are made by trusted third party carriers. For further details on prices and delivery options please go to DELIVERY INFORMATION section of our site.
If for any reason you are not entirely happy with your order or you suspect that they may be affected by a quality issue, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will remedy the problem straight away. Contact us on 0800 422 767.