- 96 points -

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.

- 96 points -

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.

- 94 points -

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.

- 93 points -

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. 

- 93 points -

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.

- 93 points -

The nose is fresh and vibrant, with refined aromas of lychees, orange blossoms, cut grass, candied limes and flint. The palate is light- to medium-bodied with precise acidity, a generous mouthfeel and notes of green apple skin, grapefruit pith and lemon peel. Fresh with generous complexity.

- 93 points -

Perhaps one of Australia's most famed sauvignon blancs with a seemingly unnerving level of quality for the pricepoint. No slouch here, a zesty, fresh, bright and crisp rendering of the variety. Resplendent with passionfruit, just-ripe pineapple, lime and cut-grass characters between the bouquet and palate, very even, flows well, finishes with decent length and a light chalky pucker. Just so, done well, easy drinking and moderately complex to boot.

- 93 points -

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.

- 93 points -

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.

- 93 points -

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.

- 92 points -

This nails the brief of refreshing, varietal character, drinkability, flavour and charm. It hits the high notes of juicy texture, a crisp finish, a balance between sauvignon blanc's tendencies to tropical fruits, grassiness, herbal elements and, from the Adelaide Hills, passionfruit, with all these characters folded together just so and well. It's got great perfume and a general sense of crunch and vivacity, with freshness in spades.

- 92 points -

I love this wine. It tastes the same every year, which is impressive considering the relative size of it. So, this 2024 Sauvignon Blanc leads with juniper and cassis, green apples, white-topped strawberries, nashi pear and snow peas. In the mouth, it is tightly coiled, fresh and zippy, with a distinct salsa verde (green chili, coriander) character to close. This is very good. 12% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

- 91 points -

Real Wine Selection

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.

- 91 points -

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.