Shaw + Smith Riesling 2022

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.

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 Shaw + Smith Riesling 2022 is a wine that beautifully combines intensity with texture. It exudes a restrained elegance, captivating Riesling lovers with its spine-tingling acidity and powerful extract. On the nose, enticing aromas of citrus zest, red apple skin and yuzu immediately captivate the senses. These vibrant and expressive flavours continue to unfold on the palate, creating a sensory journey that lingers for an age. The 2022 season for this Riesling started with cool temperatures during flowering, resulting in lower yields for early budding varieties. However, the season was mostly mild and dry, with timely rain ensuring the vines remained healthy. The harvest occurred later than usual, allowing the grapes to develop their full potential. Sourced from high and cool sites in Lenswood and Mt Torrens, this Riesling embodies the unique terroir of its origin. The cool climate and elevated sites contribute to the wine's exceptional character. In terms of vinification, the grapes for the Shaw + Smith Riesling 2022 were meticulously hand-picked. Half of the grapes underwent whole bunch pressing, while the other half were crushed and pressed. This separation allowed for distinct fermentation processes, highlighting the diverse qualities of the grapes. After fermentation, the wine was artfully blended and spent four months on lees before bottling. This extended contact with the lees adds complexity and depth to the final product. For those who seek aging potential, this Riesling will reward careful cellaring for up to 15 years. As time passes, the wine will evolve, revealing even greater depth and complexity.

Pale colour. Bright and vibrant pear, apple skin and citrus pith with elegance and focus. Beautifully crisp with well concentrated citrus flavours, fine al dente/ chalky texture with impressive volume and carry through to a lengthy finish. - Andrew Caillard MW, The Vintage Journal, 94 Points.

The Finer Details 
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Riesling
Country - Australia
Region - Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Vintage - 2022
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 12.5%