Shaw + Smith Balhannah Vineyard Shiraz 2020

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.

A complex, finely-textured Shiraz expressing the conditions of each vintage and the character of a unique vineyard site. A complex nose as always with this wine, with fennel seed, spiced plum and dried sage notes. The cool and low yielding season is evident in the red fruit, freshness and drive of this wine. The whole bunch is carried effortlessly by the fruit, and the tannins are long and ripe and even. A wine with huge ageing potential and the balance and flesh that make it delicious as a young wine as well. 

Medium deep crimson. Intense mulberry, blackberry pastille mocha aromas with hint of bush garrigue. Medium bodied wine with cassis flavours, fine leafy texture, a touch of black pepper and underlying savoury notes. Lovely weight, viscosity and purity. Drink now - 2028. - Andrew Caillard, 95 Points.

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Vintage - 2020
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14%