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 Shaw & (and) Smith wines
Adelaide Hills, Australia
Winemaker: Martin Shaw
and Michael Hill-Smith
Shaw & (and) Smith:
Winery profile...
Shaw and Smith wines have undoubtedly moved up
several notches in quality since they moved into their own winery just before
the 2000 vintage. This, and the fact that most of their needs are now serviced
by their own vineyards, has ensured that consistency across the range is now a
key Shaw and Smith trait.
While the Sauvignon continues to be their most
successful wine (not surprisingly, given the quality of the Sauvignon 2002),
there is no doubt that their best wine is now the M3 Vineyard Chardonnay. The
M3 vineyard,
planted at Woodside in the Adelaide Hills in 1994, is now producing some
outstanding Chardonnay, Sauvignon and Merlot, but it is the eponymous
Chardonnay that has vaulted Shaw & Smith into the top rank of Australia's
Chardonnay producers. It is subtle, supple and elegant, the oak beautifully
integrated with the fruit. As it spends more time in the bottle, its manifold
complexity becomes increasingly evident. Though it is without doubt one of
Australia's best Chardonnays, this is not reflected in the price.
Shaw & Smith Sauvignon Blanc
2003 will be sealed under stelvin, a first for Shaw and Smith. 2003 was
a warmer vintage than the unseasonally cool 2002, so the wine is less
herbaceous than its predecessor. Nonetheless, it retains the stylish elegance
and zip that makes this such a delicious wine.
Their Sauvignon, now a
byword for Australian Sauvignon Blanc, and Unoaked Chardonnay both illustrate
the quality of fruit grown in their vineyards.
The progress being made
by Shaw & Smith is further illustrated by their
2001 Merlot. The structured
plummy fruit makes this one of Australia's most impressive Merlots. Despite
being regarded as white wine specialists, the convincing Merlot and the new
Shiraz are bound to cement their reputation as producers of classically elegant
reds.
The Shiraz, from a vineyard in
Macclesfield (the one in the Adelaide Hills) has surprised many people (Michael
included) with its ripeness and intensity. "I didn't think we'd be able to
ripen Shiraz in the Hills," says Michael. This wine will make people wonder why
more Shiraz isn't planted in the Hills. It has an alluring nose of pepper and
spice that gives way to a supple fruit on the palate and good length. A
stunning debut!
More information (Click on links):
Shaw & (and) Smith wines from
Adelaide Hills: Regional map
(Click on map to see all wines on our list from Adelaide Hills,
Australia):
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