Shaw + Smith M3 Chardonnay 2024 (Adelaide Hills)

Shaw + Smith winery was built in 2000 giving them the ability to whole-bunch press chilled grapes for the first time, and underpinning the evolution of style from that first M3 Chardonnay vintage in 2000 through to the present day. The most significant event since then came in 2012 with the purchase of the Lenswood vineyard.

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

Hand-picked grapes are whole bunch pressed, then gently squeezed to the finest French oak barrels for fermentation. Here they spend nine months undergoing primary and secondary (malolactic) fermentation. Batches are then blended in stainless steel vats before bottling.

Aiming for elegance, restraint and the ability to age, acid is bright and there’s generosity of flavour. Typically it shows white flowers, citrus, and nectarine notes.