Shaw & Smith Sauvignon Blanc 2024

Region and Vineyards

The Adelaide Hills, located east of Adelaide in South Australia, is a premier cool-climate wine region, defined by its elevation, rolling terrain, and moderate temperatures. Shaw + Smith draws fruit primarily from two estate vineyards—Balhannah and Lenswood—complemented by select parcels from long-term growers.

At Balhannah, the vineyards sit at moderate altitude, benefiting from cool nights and warm days that preserve acidity and aromatics. Lenswood, higher in elevation and typically cooler and wetter, contributes racy citrus character and heightened aromatic lift. The 2024 vintage was shaped by a cool and wet spring, which led to poor fruit set and naturally low yields, enhancing flavour intensity. A mild, dry ripening period followed, producing grapes of exceptional balance and high natural acidity.

Winemaking

The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc was made with a focus on preserving purity and freshness. The fruit was carefully pressed, fermented at cool temperatures, and protected from oxidation throughout. A short period of lees contact in stainless steel tanks built subtle texture and complexity, without sacrificing aromatic precision.

No oak is used in this cuvée, allowing the varietal character and regional expression to take centre stage. The resulting wine is a precise, low-intervention expression, reflecting Shaw + Smith’s commitment to minimal handling and site transparency.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale straw with green highlights.
• Aroma: Vibrant and lifted, with notes of Tahitian lime, grapefruit zest, elderflower, and a delicate touch of fresh nettle.
• Palate: Intense and tightly wound with bracing acidity. Flavours of citrus, white florals, and subtle herbal elements unfold on a textured mid-palate, finishing long and mineral.

Did you know?

The 2024 vintage marks 35 years of Shaw + Smith Sauvignon Blanc—an Adelaide Hills icon that has become one of the benchmark expressions of the variety in Australia, consistently praised for its energy, purity, and cellar integrity.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Oysters with lime and cucumber mignonette: A perfect match for the wine’s citrus and saline tones.
• Goat’s cheese tart with herbs: The herbal notes in the wine echo the aromatics in the dish.
• Grilled prawns with lemon and fennel: The freshness of the wine complements the seafood's sweetness.
• Vietnamese rice paper rolls with mint and prawns: The wine’s acidity balances the herbs and fresh textures.

History of Shaw + Smith Estate

Shaw + Smith was established in 1989 by Martin Shaw, a skilled winemaker, and Michael Hill Smith MW, the first Australian to earn the prestigious Master of Wine title. Driven by a shared vision to produce high-quality, cool-climate wines that highlight the potential of the Adelaide Hills, the cousins invested in carefully selected vineyard sites that offer unique conditions ideal for premium varietals. Their philosophy emphasizes minimal intervention, focusing on sustainable practices that allow the distinct character of each vineyard to come through in every bottle.

Over the years, Shaw + Smith has garnered a reputation for excellence, especially with its Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz. The estate has continually evolved, with Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith overseeing a dedicated team led by winemaker Adam Wadewitz. Their shared commitment to quality has earned Shaw + Smith numerous accolades, cementing its status as one of Australia’s leading cool-climate wine producers.

Region and Vineyards

Shaw + Smith owns and operates three vineyards in the Adelaide Hills: Balhannah, Lenswood, and Piccadilly. Located at elevations between 380 and 500 meters, these sites benefit from a cool climate, which promotes vibrant acidity and complex flavors in the wines. Each vineyard is planted with varieties specifically suited to the site, chosen to express the region’s full potential.

The Balhannah Vineyard was the estate’s first vineyard, acquired in 1999 and located at 380 meters altitude on north-facing slopes with loam over red clay and ironstone soils. This site is planted with Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay, yielding wines of aromatic complexity and structured tannins. Lenswood Vineyard, acquired in 2012, sits at a higher altitude of 500 meters and is planted primarily with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Its east-facing slopes, cooler conditions, and shale-rich soils contribute to the finesse and freshness of its wines. The vineyards are sustainably farmed, emphasizing practices that support soil health and vine longevity.

Wine Range

Shaw + Smith is best known for producing cool-climate wines that capture the Adelaide Hills’ elegance and distinctiveness. Their portfolio includes:

• Sauvignon Blanc: Known for its fresh acidity, bright citrus notes, and mineral complexity, this wine has become a flagship for the estate.
• M3 Chardonnay: Crafted in a restrained style, Shaw + Smith’s Chardonnay balances stone fruit flavors with vibrant acidity and subtle oak integration, making it a benchmark for Australian Chardonnay.
• Pinot Noir: Shaw + Smith’s Pinot Noir showcases a delicate structure with flavors of red berries, subtle spice, and a fine tannin profile, representing the finesse of the Lenswood vineyard.
• Shiraz: The estate’s Shiraz expresses the aromatic complexity of Adelaide Hills’ cool climate, with a focus on freshness, refined tannins, and balanced spice, particularly evident in the single-vineyard Balhannah Shiraz.

Did you know?

Shaw + Smith was not only groundbreaking for its focus on cool-climate Adelaide Hills wines, but it also became a pioneer in sustainable viticulture practices within the region. The estate uses minimal intervention in both the vineyard and winery, with a commitment to sustainable practices that support the health of the land and the authenticity of its wines.