Established in 1989 by Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith MW, Shaw + Smith's aim is to make contemporary, high quality wines that stand among the best of their type in Australia. The wines are made exclusively from fruit grown in the Adelaide Hills, one of Australia's coolest and most exciting regions. Shaw + Smith specialise in grape varieties suited to cooler climates, such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, and also make outstanding wines from Shiraz and Pinot Noir.

The Adelaide Hills was long considered too cool to ripen Shiraz. By the early 2000s, though, the potential for outstanding Shiraz from the right sites in the Adelaide Hills was compelling, and the first Shaw + Smith Shiraz was made in the 2002 vintage. Since then, Shiraz in the Hills has gone from strength to strength, its hallmarks being fragrance, intensity, and medium bodied elegance.

Vineyards: The fruit was sourced from vineyards in the warmer, drier parts of the Adelaide Hills, notably Lenswood and from low yielding vineyards in Balhannah, near the Shaw and Smith winery. Soils here are shallow red/brown loam over schist and clay. The vines are planted at a density of 2,700 - 5,500 vines per hectare and are hand pruned with vertical shoot positioned canopies. Low yields of two kilos per vine were achieved by aggressive pruning and pre- harvest bunch thinning.

Vinification: 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, one third of which was new, for 14 months.

Weather in 2018: There was outstanding quality delivered in 2018, from a growing season that threatened, at times, to be tricky. After some heat in January, the moderate, dry and sunny months of February and March delivered beautifully balanced fruit. Crop levels were slightly below average, enhancing flavour and intensity.

Technical Information:
Grape: 100% Shiraz
Region: Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Alcohol: 14 %
Closure: Screwcap
Acidity: 5.50 g/l
Residual sugar: 0.80 g/l
pH: 3.75

Tasting Note: Shaw + Smith Shiraz is a medium bodied cool-climate Shiraz. The 2018 shows brilliant balance and structure with grippy tannins. Aromas of red fruit are complimented by a palate of bright cherry, raspberry and mulberry, with hints of dark chocolate.