About this winery

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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Production notes

From low yielding vines at Balhannah, in the central Adelaide Hills, and Macclesfield, the warmer and drier sub-region to the south. Low yields achieved by aggressive pruning and pre harvest bunch thinning. Hand picked and fermented as a combination of whole berries and whole bunches in open fermenters, with gentle plunging and minimal working. Aged in French oak for fourteen months, of which one third was new barriques and some larger format.

Tasting notes

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.