2023 Shaw and Smith Lenswood Chardonnay

97 Points James Halliday
In stock
A top single-vineyard Chardonnay from one of Australia's leading exponents of the grape. Shaw + Smith's Lenswood vineyard is lies at 500 meters on soils of brown loam over clay, interspesed with broken shale and stone. The result is a wine of intense expression, with plenty of texture and toastiness all delivered with the eminent style and finesse for which the house is known. Exceptional stuff to drink now or cellar, the Shaw + Smith Lenswood is one to try!
$99.00 in mixed 6+ or $110.00 per bottle

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

with PORK
with SEAFOOD
with SHELLFISH

Taste

3

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.