Shaw and Smith Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Region and Vineyards

Located in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia, Shaw + Smith’s vineyards benefit from a cool, late-ripening climate that is ideal for producing Sauvignon Blanc with intensity and elegance. The 2023 growing season was marked by La Niña, resulting in cool and wet conditions that extended the ripening period, enhancing acidity and delivering complex flavors. The Shaw + Smith vineyards at Balhannah and Lenswood, totaling 60 hectares, are managed with a focus on sustainable practices to ensure healthy vines and vibrant fruit.

The soil composition in these vineyards varies, promoting diverse expressions of Sauvignon Blanc. This year’s weather brought challenges like mildew and botrytis, which required meticulous vineyard management. Shaw + Smith’s careful attention to detail and sustainable practices led to a harvest of exceptionally high-quality grapes, capturing the purity and character of the cool 2023 season.

Winemaking

Shaw + Smith Sauvignon Blanc 2023 is crafted to highlight the natural vibrancy of the fruit, with a focus on gentle handling and minimal oxygen exposure. The grapes were carefully pressed and fermented at cool temperatures to preserve freshness and aromatic complexity. Post-fermentation, the wine was kept on yeast lees in stainless steel tanks, enhancing the texture and adding layers of subtle complexity. This approach produces a wine that reflects the purity of Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc while adding depth and mouthfeel.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale straw with a green tint.
• Aroma: Intense notes of lemon, lime, and pink grapefruit, complemented by hints of fresh herbs and minerality.
• Palate: Crisp and vibrant, with flavors of citrus and a touch of tropical fruit. The acidity is lively, giving the wine a fresh and energetic profile, with a long, clean finish.

Did you know?

Shaw + Smith has been producing Sauvignon Blanc since 1989, establishing it as a benchmark for both the Adelaide Hills and Australian Sauvignon Blanc. The 2023 vintage marks the 34th year of production, underscoring Shaw + Smith’s commitment to quality and their focus on cool-climate winemaking.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Oysters on the half shell: The wine’s acidity and citrus notes enhance the briny freshness of oysters.
• Grilled prawns with lemon: The citrus flavors in the wine mirror the lemon, while the acidity cuts through the richness of the prawns.
• Goat cheese salad: The herbal notes in the Sauvignon Blanc pair well with goat cheese, creating a harmonious balance.
• Sashimi: The crisp acidity and fresh citrus character complement the delicate flavors of raw fish, particularly with soy or citrus-based sauces.

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.