Shaw + Smith Lenswood Vineyard Chardonnay 2022

haw + 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.

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 caliber. 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.

The hallmarks of the 2022 growing season were the coolness and healthy rains of a La Niña season. Those conditions have given this wine great intensity and high extract. A fine boned Chardonnay that reflects the conditions of the vintage and the character of this unique vineyard site. There is a pithy quality to the palate, with the trademark acidity balanced by layers of texture. Softness, as well as freshness and nectarine notes that mingle with more crystalline glacé lemon are a reminder of the late season warmth that finished off ripening beautifully.

Another cooler than average season with some influence from La Niña weather patterns. The season was cool to begin with, which meant that a smaller crop formed during fruit set. The summer was mild, warming up towards the end and adding flavour and ripeness to the fresh acidity.

Gently whole bunch pressed, then fermented in 500 litre puncheon, 30% new. Full malo, and 10 months in oak before resting in tank prior to bottling.

Will reward careful cellaring for up to 20 years.

This wine is a study in elegance. It has fruit, it’s not underdone, but the mouthwatering lilt of flavour running from start to finish is something to behold. It tastes off citrus, bran, stone fruits, crushed fennel, brine and ginger, a sweet-bready-woody character lingering throughout. But the carry of it, the long juicy length, the gradual reveal of florals; it’s beautifully done. - Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front, 95+ Points.

An exceptional vintage for white wines. A lower pH, inherent freshness and phenolic bite, the artillery that delivers the impressive structural latticework necessary for further development. Really classy. Subdued aromas of cinnamon, sesame, quince, ginger and toasted hazelnut, with the barest hint of fruit. Better this way. The mid-weighted palate is pliant, nicely chewy and multilayered. The finish is exceptionally long, although I look forward to tasting again in another six or eight years after things unravel and meld. Stunning chardonnay, aligned with top-tier Chassagne and certainly among the finest tasted in recent memory. - Ned Goodwin, JamesSuckling.com, 97 Points.

The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Chardonnay
Country - Australia
Region - Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Vintage - 2022
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.5%