Product Description:
The Shaw + Smith Balhannah Vineyard Shiraz 2022 is a testament to the meticulous care and precision that defines Shaw + Smith's approach to winemaking. From the cool, late-ripening 2022 vintage, this Shiraz is a vibrant expression of its vineyard and year, showcasing the depth, complexity, and intensity that result from low-yielding vines in the Balhannah vineyard. The vineyard’s unique terroir, combined with a cool season and small crop, has produced a wine that is dense, structured, and poised for long-term aging.
Hand-picked and hand-sorted, the wine undergoes a careful vinification process before being aged for 14 months in French oak barrels. This approach adds layers of complexity to the wine, which has a compelling, complex nose of dried herbs, spice, Kalamata olive brine, and smoked meats. The 2022 vintage exudes an intensity that’s both powerful and refined, with the wine’s long, ripe tannins built for aging and showcasing an impressive potential for cellaring.
Maker:
Shaw + Smith, established in 1989 by cousins Michael Hill Smith MW and Martin Shaw, is a winery that has become synonymous with excellence in the Adelaide Hills region of South Australia. Their unwavering focus on varietals that thrive in the cooler Hills climate, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz, has resulted in wines that are truly exceptional. With three vineyards located in Lenswood, Piccadilly, and Balhannah, Shaw + Smith is dedicated to growing the best possible grapes. They place great importance on managing their vineyards sustainably, valuing vine health, soil health and low yields. This commitment to vineyard management is central to their approach, ensuring that only the finest grapes make their way into their wines. The winemaking process at Shaw + Smith is a testament to their pursuit of quality. The wines are fermented, aged and bottled on-site at their Balhannah winery, showcasing the meticulous care and attention that goes into every bottle. This hands-on approach allows them to capture the vibrant and modern expressions of their varieties, sites, and the season. In 1999, Shaw + Smith took a significant step forward with the purchase of a property in Balhannah. This allowed them to not only plant vines but also build a state-of-the-art winery and tasting room, which was completed just in time for the 2000 vintage. This expansion marked a turning point for the winery, solidifying their presence in the Adelaide Hills and setting the stage for future success.
Philosophy:
At the heart of Shaw + Smith's winemaking philosophy is their commitment to owning and carefully managing three distinct vineyards in the Adelaide Hills. Located in Balhannah, Lenswood, and Piccadilly Valley, these vineyards cover a total of 60 hectares. The team at Shaw + Smith firmly believes that the key to producing the highest quality grapes lies in cultivating healthy vines in healthy soils. With a deep appreciation for the potential of the Adelaide Hills, Shaw + Smith's love for Riesling has been a driving force behind their winemaking journey. They firmly believe that this region has the ability to produce exceptional Rieslings with remarkable ageing potential. Such is their dedication to finding the perfect sites for growing Riesling grapes that Shaw + Smith even took a hiatus from producing Riesling between 2010 and 2013. This hiatus allowed them to search for and identify the preferred sites that would meet their exacting standards. In 2014, they found the sites that would become the foundation for their exceptional Riesling production. Understanding that site selection is of utmost importance, Shaw + Smith ensures that their vineyards are meticulously managed. The team employs sustainable vineyard practices, recognizing that a healthy ecosystem is crucial for producing grapes of the highest calibre. By maintaining vine health and soil health, Shaw + Smith sets the stage for the creation of wines that truly reflect the unique attributes of their vineyard sites.
Tasting Notes:
Nose
Savoury, Herbal, Complex
Dried herbs, spice, Kalamata olive brine, and subtle smoky meats. The aromatic profile is intense and layered, with an earthy depth that draws you in, revealing hints of lavender and Swiss mushroom.
Palate
Vibrant, Structured, Intense
Dense and compact, delivering a burst of concentrated fruit flavours balanced by a savoury edge. Layers of boysenberry and spice are enhanced by the wine's velvety texture and ripe tannins, making for a powerful yet harmonious mouthfeel.
Finish
Long, Firm, Lingering
Long and satisfying, with firm tannins and a lingering, savoury aftertaste. The freshness from the acidity lingers, making the wine feel as vibrant as it does structured.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Vintage - 2022
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14%