Shaw and Smith M3 Chardonnay 2022

Region and Vineyards

The Adelaide Hills region is recognized for its ideal conditions for cool-climate varietals like Chardonnay, where altitude and a long growing season enable nuanced and complex flavor development. The 2022 season began with a cool start influenced by La Niña, producing a smaller fruit set but allowing for extended ripening as summer progressed. The weather remained mild, with some late-season warmth enhancing the fruit’s aromatic intensity and ripeness while maintaining fresh acidity.

Shaw + Smith’s vineyards at Balhannah, Lenswood, and Piccadilly are meticulously managed to yield high-quality Chardonnay that reflects the distinct Adelaide Hills terroir. These vineyards cover 59 hectares and are planted with sustainable practices that protect the health of the vines and soil. In December, conditions were mild, though a few well-timed showers sustained the vines’ vigor, ensuring optimal fruit quality.

Winemaking

Shaw + Smith’s approach to the M3 Chardonnay 2022 emphasizes gentle handling and minimal intervention to highlight the purity of the fruit. Hand-picked whole bunches are pressed using an air-bag press to extract juice without excess phenolic influence. The juice is then transferred to French oak barrels for fermentation, adding structure and subtle oak influence. This Chardonnay undergoes malolactic fermentation, which softens the acidity and enhances mouthfeel, followed by approximately 9 months in oak for further complexity.

After aging in oak, the batches are blended in stainless steel tanks before bottling, resulting in a Chardonnay with depth, elegance, and well-integrated flavors. The result is a Chardonnay that combines vibrant acidity with richness, making it suitable for immediate enjoyment or extended cellaring.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale gold with a bright, clear rim.
• Aroma: Aromas of white flowers, citrus, and nectarine, with additional notes of ginger and a hint of orange zest.
• Palate: Medium-bodied with flavors of stone fruit, lemon, and a subtle creaminess from malolactic fermentation. The wine shows vibrant acidity balanced by a smooth texture, with a long, elegant finish that hints at minerality.

Did you know?

The M3 Chardonnay has become a hallmark of contemporary Australian Chardonnay, moving away from the heavily oaked style of the past to a more refined, terroir-driven expression. Shaw + Smith's commitment to elegance and restraint in their winemaking has made the M3 Chardonnay a benchmark for cool-climate Australian Chardonnay.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled scallops with lemon butter: The wine’s acidity and citrus notes complement the richness of the scallops, enhancing the delicate flavors.
• Roast chicken with thyme and garlic: The creamy texture and subtle oak influence in the Chardonnay add depth to the savory roast chicken.
• Pasta primavera with cream sauce: The bright acidity and stone fruit flavors lift the dish, creating a harmonious pairing with the creamy sauce.
• Goat cheese tart: The wine’s floral and citrus notes balance the creamy tang of the cheese, creating an elegant and balanced 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.