PRODUCER

Established in 1989 by Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith MW, Shaw + Smith's aim is to make contemporary, high quality wines that stand among the best of their type in Australia. The wines are made exclusively from fruit grown in the Adelaide Hills, one of Australia's coolest and most exciting regions. Shaw + Smith specialise in grape varieties suited to cooler climates, such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, and also make outstanding wines from Shiraz and Pinot Noir.

VINEYARDS

First planted in 1999, the Lenswood vineyard combines high altitude (455 to 500 metres above sea level), mature vines, and diverse aspects, including cool east and south facing blocks on soils of brown loam over clay with some broken shale. Following significant investments to improve the vineyard since its acquisition by Shaw + Smith in 2012, it is a great source for wines that can stand alone as single vineyard releases, with the balance to reward ageing.

VINTAGE

There was record rainfall throughout the growing season but importantly it reduced to average in November during flowering, and was dry during March, the later part of ripening. Record low temperatures were also recorded resulting in a late, very cool vintage.

VINIFICATION

Whole bunches were chilled overnight, then pressed, before fermentation took place in a mix of new and used 500 litre French oak puncheons. The wine then spent a further 10 months in barrel with gentle stirring.

TASTING NOTES

An elegant single vineyard Chardonnay, the 2017 vintage is defined by the extremely late, cool season. Very fine, with juicy acid and depth of flavour including white flowers and citrus. The palate is long, with good mid-palate texture and striking natural acidity to balance the intensity of flavour.

AWARDS

SILVER - International Wine Challenge 2019