Shiraz
2022
Shaw + Smith winery was founded in 1989 by Michael Hill Smith and Martin Shaw with the goal of producing elegant, refined, world class wines from the cool climate Adelaide hills region of Australia. That Shaw + Smith have succeeded in spades should come as no surprise given the resumes of the winery's two founders. Michael Hill Smith was born into wine, a member of the Yalumba family. A Cordon Bleu trained chef, wine writer, wine judge, and Australia's first Master of Wine he relished the...
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The Adelaide Hills has now proven it can make truly exciting spicy Shiraz. The key is careful site election, low yields and
restrained use of oak. The blend component from the
warmer sub-area of Macclesfield gives structure and richness, whilst Balhannah contributes spiciness and perfume. A vibrant, modern interpretation of Australian Shiraz.
Dark fruited and spicy, with undertones of cured meat, black olives and herbs on the nose. The palate is well balanced, with firmly framed tannins and focused acidity that leads to a densely packed yet refined and pure fruit-driven finish with some lovely spicy, cool-climate shiraz flavors. A well-balanced wine that will age nicely.
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This is delightful. It opens with an expectation: game meat, white pepper, raspberry, tart cherry, some dried herbs and a whiff of truffle. Savouriness and pretty fruit hand in hand. It delivers on the palate, satiny tannins wrap up more of those fruit and savoury elements, game meat and pepper a strong card but beautifully woven through red fruits and sweeter spices. Ribbons of those tannins trail long through the palate; a light dusting of spice lingers. It's spot-on medium weight, too. So much charm.
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