Shaw and Smith Shiraz 2021

Region and Vineyards

The Adelaide Hills region in South Australia is celebrated for its cool-climate viticulture, providing ideal growing conditions for varietals that thrive in a more temperate environment, including Shiraz. Located at elevations ranging from 382 to 423 meters above sea level, Shaw + Smith’s vineyards at Balhannah and Lenswood benefit from an extended growing season due to lower temperatures, allowing the grapes to develop intense aromatics and natural acidity. These vineyards are strategically positioned with northern exposure to maximize sunlight, which aids in the even ripening of the grapes.

The soils in these vineyards are a complex mix of sandy-loam over red clay, quartzite, and shale, enhancing the wine’s minerality and lending structure to the Shiraz. This distinctive soil profile, combined with the cooling effects of higher elevation, supports the balanced development of fruit concentration and acidity, resulting in a Shiraz that reflects the region’s terroir with remarkable precision. Shaw + Smith's commitment to sustainable practices and meticulous vineyard management further enhances the quality of the fruit used in this wine.

Winemaking

Crafted with a philosophy of minimal intervention, Shaw + Smith Shiraz 2021 is produced to express the purity of fruit and regional characteristics. The grapes are carefully hand-harvested and sorted, with fermentation taking place in open-top stainless steel tanks. This method allows for gentle handling of the fruit, preserving the grape's natural flavors and aromatics. The fermentation temperature reaches up to 32°C, and a combination of whole berries and whole bunches are used, along with gentle punchdowns, to achieve balanced extraction of color and tannins without overpowering the wine’s delicacy.

Aging occurs in French oak barriques and larger barrels (228 to 500 L), with one-third being new oak, for a total of 14 months. This oak regimen contributes a subtle layer of spice and texture without overshadowing the wine’s fresh fruit character. The wine is then bottled and undergoes an additional 8 months of bottle aging to harmonize the flavors and enhance the wine’s overall structure. Shaw + Smith’s careful approach to winemaking ensures that this Shiraz maintains its elegant profile while highlighting the unique aspects of Adelaide Hills’ terroir.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with a hint of purple at the rim.
• Aroma: Rich aromas of black cherry, plum, and blackberry, complemented by subtle notes of licorice, black pepper, and a touch of graphite.
• Palate: Medium-bodied and refined, with flavors of dark fruits like blackcurrant and mulberry. Fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity lend structure, with a long, mineral-driven finish that highlights the wine’s cool-climate origins.

Did you know?

Shaw + Smith began producing Shiraz in the early 2000s, pioneering a cool-climate style for this varietal in the Adelaide Hills, which was traditionally known for lighter wines. The focus on elegance over intensity has positioned this Shiraz as a unique expression of the varietal in Australia, gaining recognition as a standout example of cool-climate Shiraz.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Slow-cooked lamb shoulder: The wine’s structure and acidity complement the tender richness of lamb, enhancing its flavors without overpowering them.
• Duck breast with a cherry reduction: The dark fruit and subtle spice in the Shiraz mirror the cherry sauce, creating a layered and sophisticated pairing.
• Aged cheddar or Manchego cheese: The wine’s acidity and tannins cut through the cheese’s richness, while the fruit notes provide a balanced contrast.
• Porcini mushroom risotto: Earthy flavors from the risotto echo the wine’s minerality and depth, harmonizing beautifully with each sip.

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.