Shaw + Smith

Written By Angus Hughson

2026 Shaw + Smith Lenswood Vineyard and Balhannah Vineyard Release

The 2024 vintage in the Adelaide Hills followed a challenging growing season. But Shaw + Smith’s 2024 Lenswood Vineyard Pinot Noir is a masterclass in definition and classicism. Its bloody good and just shows how meticulous attention and care can deliver something special – even though vintage conditions might suggest otherwise.  On the other hand the 2024 Lenswood Vineyard Chardonnay is crisp and tight while having sufficient fruitiness to fill the palate. But in context of the Shaw and Smith oeuvre it shows high quality winemaking rather than a great vintage. Nonetheless it will have some wide appeal for those who like refreshing styles. 2023 Balhannah Vineyard Shiraz is excellent and shows the variety’s versatility. It’s pure and ripe yet peppery notes resonate through it giving it character and a voice of place.

2024 Shaw + Smith Lenswood Vineyard Chardonnay, Adelaide Hills – South Australia

Pale colour. Classical nectarine, white peach, apricot aromas with grilled nut, tonic water notes. Supple and minerally with soft juicy white peach, apricot fruits, looseknit lacy/ chalky textures and underlying crunchy acidity. Briny notes at the finish. An early drinking style with lovely bittersweet notes. Expressive and well balanced. Drink now – 2032 12.5% alc 94 points

2024 Shaw + Smith Lenswood Vineyard Pinot Noir, Adelaide Hills – South Australia

Medium crimson. Fresh and buoyant with ample strawberry pastille, Americano aromas with hits of herb garden. Beautifully concentrated with ample strawberry, black cherry, Campari,  hint marzipan flavours, fine lacy, hint al dente textures, lovely mid palate volume/ viscosity and fresh well integrated crisp acidity. A light tannin grip at the finish and underlying slight sappy notes give lovely pull through across the palate. Lovely colour, fruit definition and volume. A triumph. Should keep but delicious to drink now. Available at cellar door and online only. 10 months maturation in 500L Frech oak puncheons (30% new). Drink now – 2035 13.% alc 96 points

2023 Shaw + Smith Balhannah Vineyard Shiraz, Adelaide Hills – South Australia

Medium deep crimson. A cool climate expression with lifted black cherry, blackberry pastille, pepper aromas with some dark chocolate notes. Smooth and velvety with ample black cherry, blackberry, dark chocolate flavours, some pepper, spice nuances, fine loosknit chocolaty textures and well-balanced acidity. Builds momentum across the palate with chalky firm/ bittersweet chinotto, peppery notes at the finish. Very expressive with excrellent desnity and flow. Should cellar very well. Drink now – 2038+ 95 points

Angus Hughson
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