95 Points - Jeni Port
Shaw and Smith has established itself as one of Australia's finest wineries, specialising in the varieties that thrive in the cool-climate of South Australia's Adelaide Hills.
The 2023 Shaw and Smith Shiraz is another ultra impressive release; a flavour packed cool-climate Shiraz with loads of raspberry and blueberry flavours with a nice touch of oak and subtle clove and black pepper notes. The palate is layered, with impeccable balance and a long, complex finish. Another sensational Adelaide Hills Shiraz release from Shaw + Smith, which is sure to be hugely popular.
"95 Points. The epitome of cool climate Shiraz style: medium bodied, a spicy delight, flows smoothly and leaves a lasting impression. Moves briskly, too, and with focus zeroing in on black cherry, plum and dried cranberry fruits spiced up no end in pepper-berry, black pepper, dark spices, dusty cocoa and herbs that come alive on the tastebuds. The producer was an early promoter of Adelaide Hills Shiraz and gets to the heart of what is so good about the style, keeping oak maturation in the background and allowing the fruit to sing, aided and abetted by a bright acidity and fine knit tannins. Hints of a black olive savouriness add to the excitement factor - which is already running high - and help close this smart, super elegant Shiraz."- Jeni Port, Wine Pilot.
"This is a savoury affair from the outset, with green bean and black olive opening the perfume ahead of black currant pastille, pink peppercorn, dried violets and charred root vegetable. Black cherry and plum build with air, but whole-bunch influence is the defining hand here. The palate follows suit - black olive tapenade, black cherry, blackberry, black pepper and blood plum, with dried herb, tomato bush and smoked meat tones swirling through before firm, grippy tannins pull it all to good length. Lovers of a savoury, Rhône-inflected style will find much to enjoy. Nicely done. 93 Points. $59"- Tom Kline, Wine Pilot.
