Shaw and Smith Pinot Noir 2022

Region and Vineyards

The Adelaide Hills in South Australia offers an ideal cool-climate environment for growing Pinot Noir, with its high altitudes and extended growing season contributing to wines of finesse and elegance. The 2022 growing season was cooler than average, influenced by the La Niña weather pattern. This cooler start resulted in a smaller fruit set and a later ripening period, while a mild summer allowed the grapes to develop complex flavors and retain their natural acidity. Shaw + Smith’s vineyards in Balhannah, Lenswood, and Piccadilly total 59 hectares and are carefully managed to support vine health and high fruit quality.

By the end of the season, the grapes were fully ripened thanks to a series of well-timed showers and consistently mild conditions. This balance of cool temperatures and gradual ripening gives the 2022 Pinot Noir its signature freshness, structure, and aromatic profile, with earthy, floral, and spice notes that showcase the Adelaide Hills terroir.

Winemaking

Shaw + Smith’s winemaking approach for the 2022 Pinot Noir is focused on gentle handling and a meticulous selection process to enhance the fruit’s natural character. Hand-picked grapes are sorted twice—first as whole bunches and then after 80% destemming, to discard any underripe or imperfect berries. The remaining fruit undergoes a slow and gentle fermentation, emphasizing delicacy and allowing a gradual extraction of flavors and tannins.

The wine then ages in French oak barrels for approximately 8 months, which imparts subtle hints of spice while preserving the wine’s freshness and aromatic purity. This approach maintains the delicate balance between structure and elegance, highlighting the vintage’s nuanced fruit profile and the Adelaide Hills' cool-climate character.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright ruby with a translucent core.
• Aroma: Floral notes of violet and rose, with layered aromas of rhubarb, cherry, and hints of dried herbs and spices.
• Palate: Medium-bodied with a silky texture, flavors of red cherry and rhubarb are complemented by a subtle earthiness. Fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity lend a refined structure, leading to a lingering finish with a touch of minerality.

Did you know?

Shaw + Smith has cultivated a reputation for producing some of Australia’s most celebrated cool-climate Pinot Noir from the Adelaide Hills, an area traditionally known for producing delicate and aromatic wines. The 2022 vintage showcases this philosophy, capturing both the beauty and resilience of a challenging yet rewarding growing season.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Charcuterie board with cured meats and pâté: Complements the wine’s silky tannins and adds a savory element that balances the fresh acidity.
• Duck breast with cherry glaze: The wine’s cherry and rhubarb notes enhance the glaze, creating a harmonious pairing.
• Mushroom risotto: The earthiness of the mushrooms mirrors the wine’s subtle earthy undertones, creating a layered and balanced experience.
• Grilled salmon: The wine’s acidity and red fruit notes bring out the richness of the salmon, while the gentle tannins complement the texture.

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.