Product Description:
The Shaw + Smith Lenswood Vineyard Chardonnay 2023 is a stunning expression of cool-climate Chardonnay from the heart of the Adelaide Hills. This vintage is defined by a late, cool, and wet growing season, heavily influenced by La Niña, resulting in a wine of exceptional intensity and remarkable depth. The unique combination of altitude, terroir, and climate at the estate vineyard in Lenswood has created a Chardonnay that showcases the distinct, cool-season flavours the region is renowned for.
The 2023 vintage is a true testament to Shaw + Smith's commitment to producing wines of exceptional purity and finesse. Hand-picked from low-yielding vines, this Chardonnay undergoes a meticulous vinification process. The fruit is gently whole-bunch pressed, fermented in 500-litre puncheons (30% new), and undergoes full malolactic fermentation. After 10 months of aging in oak, the wine is rested in tank before being bottled, allowing the wine to harmonise and develop complexity.
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.
Reviews + Accolades:
"Sophisticated style. Saline. Very adult. And very, very good. Yes." – Gary Walsh, The Wine Front. 96 Points
Tasting Notes:
Nose
Floral, Creamy, Fresh
A captivating bouquet of star jasmine blooms, snow pea tendrils, and white peach fuzz, intertwined with creamy Greek yogurt richness. Subtle hints of oyster mushroom, cheese rind savouriness, and raw cashews add layers of complexity, creating an intriguing aromatic profile.
Palate
Intense, Elegant, Mineral
Opulent flavours of ginger and ripe stone fruit. The long, flavoursome finish reveals the wine's remarkable depth and extract, attributed to the long ripening season. A perfect balance of fresh acidity and rich texture defines the experience, making this wine both powerful and refined.
Finish
Long, Savoury, Crisp
Persistent and clean, with a refreshing minerality and a subtle savoury edge, leading to a lingering, mouthwatering aftertaste that showcases the wine's exceptional balance and complexity.
The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Chardonnay
Country - Australia
Region - Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Vintage - 2023
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13%
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