Shaw and Smith Lenswood Chardonnay 2021

Region and Vineyards

The Lenswood Vineyard, located in the Adelaide Hills at an altitude of 500 meters, provides an ideal setting for cool-climate Chardonnay, with east-facing slopes that capture morning sun and promote gradual ripening. Established in 2001, this vineyard’s soil profile includes loam over clay and shale, which adds a mineral character to the wines. The 2021 growing season was exceptionally favorable, with abundant winter rains ensuring ample soil moisture, followed by a mild summer that allowed the fruit to ripen slowly, enhancing the depth of flavor and retaining fresh acidity.

The Bernard 95 and 76 clones planted here at a density of 4,760 vines per hectare produce fruit with refined concentration and structure. These conditions are crucial to creating a Chardonnay that embodies the elegance and intensity of the Lenswood site, with complex flavors and a balanced acidity that promises longevity in the bottle.

Winemaking

The winemaking for the 2021 Lenswood Vineyard Chardonnay emphasizes minimal intervention to let the vineyard’s unique characteristics shine. The grapes are gently whole-bunch pressed to preserve delicacy, and the juice is fermented in 500-liter French oak puncheons, of which 30% are new. Full malolactic fermentation adds a creamy texture, while minimal batonnage preserves the wine’s bright acidity and purity of flavor. The wine matures for 10 months in oak, allowing for the integration of oak with the fruit without overpowering its natural finesse.

This approach results in a wine that combines delicate aromatics with a fine, long palate, showcasing restrained power and structure. The 2021 vintage is an example of Shaw + Smith’s dedication to capturing the purity and potential of single-site Adelaide Hills Chardonnay.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale lemon straw.
• Aroma: Subtle aromas of white flowers and chamomile with a hint of struck match, adding a mineral edge.
• Palate: Fine and delicate, with flavors of lemon pith, chamomile, and under-ripe nectarine. A long, focused finish with balanced acidity, hinting at the wine’s potential to develop further complexity with age.

Did you know?

The Lenswood Vineyard is one of Shaw + Smith’s flagship sites, planted specifically to optimize the qualities of Adelaide Hills Chardonnay. The combination of high elevation, east-facing slopes, and specific clones (Bernard 95 and 76) contributes to the vineyard’s ability to produce Chardonnay with remarkable finesse and ageing potential.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled sea bass with a lemon herb sauce: Complements the wine’s acidity and minerality, enhancing the subtle floral and citrus notes.
• Oysters with mignonette sauce: The wine’s freshness and minerality pair well with the briny, delicate flavor of oysters.
• Risotto with truffle and parmesan: The creamy texture of the wine and subtle earthiness harmonize with the risotto’s rich, umami flavors.
• Roast chicken with rosemary and thyme: The wine’s citrus and herbal notes balance the savory flavors of the roasted chicken, creating a refined pairing.

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.