Sauvignon Blanc
2021
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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Shaw + Smith was established in 1989 by cousins Michael Hill Smith MW and Martin Shaw. They make wines exclusively from the Adelaide Hills, from varieties that suit the cooler climate: Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz. Growing the best possible grapes, managing vineyards sustainably, and valuing vine health, soil health, and low yields are central to the Shaw + Smith approach.
Hand picked. Cool fermentation in stainless steel followed by maturation on lees. Early bottling to retain freshness.
Typically it shows a pink grapefruit character, concentration and mid-palate texture, which reflect the carefully selected sites and hand harvesting during the small window of perfect ripeness.
Astonishing consistency defines this wine, hitting a benchmark of high quality that defies vintage variance, yet it never threatens to become either bland or complacent. It’s joyously fragrant, with lots of bold gooseberry and guava fruit bringing excitement to the palate. A strong body and assertive presence mean the flavours hang and hold their nerve, framed by a seductive mineral lick.
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Hand-picked fruit, cool fermentation in stainless steel, maturation on lees and early bottling. A model of consistency over 32 vintages, Shaw + Smith Sauvignon Blanc continues to lead the way in 2021 with a combination of fruit intensity and a seeming lightness of being. It's told in 2 parts; the 1st is exuberant tropicals, citrus and herbal interplay, but it quickly moves into a state of serious intensity, filigree acidity and mealy texture. That lasting impression saturates the tastebuds and stays with you.
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A very strong vintage for this popular Adelaide Hills sauvignon, it sits in a deliciously ripe yet fresh zone and is bathed in peach, nectarine, green-mango and passion-fruit aromas and flavors. Delivered in straight-up, drinkable mode on release.
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This is a particularly delicious bottling from one of the Adelaide Hills region's most well-known names. Bright peach and citrus fruit bounce from the glass, with more delicate floral notes just behind. There's almost none of the green veg pungency found in many New World Sauvignons. The palate offers equally vibrant fruit flavors. It glides along a creamy texture, finishing long and refreshing.
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This is only the second 2023 vintage I have tasted in bottle—perhaps not relevant, but it's an indicator that the year is moving on with pace. Leading with juniper and cassis, the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc is fresh and pert, with bright fruit and fine, chalky phenolics. I really like this wine, but then again, everyone in Australia really likes this wine. Every single year it delivers this experience of reliably good drinking. Famous for a reason. 12.% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.
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A cool, low-yielding and attenuated year, good for the sort of varieties that excel in these parts. Cool fermented without oak. A smart wine that hits all the marks the sauvignon blanc fanbase expect, with pink grapefruit, guava and nettle accents flowing long across a rivulet of juicy acidity. Straightforward wine done well.
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Very fresh nose with a wide spectrum of aromas, ranging from forthrightly grassy and fresh-basil notes to gooseberry, grapefruit and passion fruit, this is a juicy and elegant Adelaide Hills sauvignon blanc. Long, racy finish.
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This is the benchmark for (tank fermented, pure) Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc. The 2022 Sauvignon Blanc has sweet green pea, green apple skins, juniper, rosemary, a hint of nashi pear and layers of jasmine tea and spice. This is, as usual, very fine and spicy, with purity and textural complexity side by side. Pear skin. Pretty.
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If you are a sauvignon blanc freak, you will love this Adelaide Hills version from the kings of cool, Shaw and Smith. The fruit comes off the estate vineyards at Balhannah and Lenswood with smaller amounts from trusted local growers. 2020 is year 31 for what most would concede is the benchmark Australian sauvignon blanc. The nose is a fresh breeze of spring peas, asparagus, grapefruit with a whiff of fresh-cut grass. Intense but sophisticated, the lemon-flavoured stone fruit marvel swims in bright acidity and is the ultimate seafood crusher. The finish goes on forever, offering more nectarine and passion fruit dusted in white pepper. First class.
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A popular wine, displaying all the pool-side party tricks with a nudge of sophistication. A cool vintage, making for a lighter weighted expression than normal. Vibrant accents of guava, lemon drop, nettle and hedgerow. Good crunchy length, if not a bit tangy.
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