Shaw + Smith Shiraz 2023 is a medium-bodied, cool-climate Shiraz from the Adelaide Hills — a wine where balance is more important than power, and freshness and lift matter as much as fruit. From low-yielding vines in Balhannah and the central Adelaide Hills, and from a cool La Niña season that delivered perfectly even ripening in February, small grapes packed with flavour, and higher than normal acidity. Red and blue fruits, a touch of white pepper, and good grippy tannins framing a midweight palate of brightness, vibrancy, and ripe fruit structure. Aged 10 months in 500–600 litre French oak barrels (20% new), followed by a further 16 months in bottle. Very complete. Very delicious. Classic Adelaide Hills cool-climate Shiraz.
Tasting Notes
Appearance
Deep, vibrant ruby — the rich, concentrated colour of a cool-climate Adelaide Hills Shiraz from low-yielding vines in Balhannah, with the brightness and clarity that a La Niña season, small flavour-packed grapes, and 16 months in bottle deliver.
Aroma
Red and blue fruits with a touch of white pepper — the fresh, lifted, and characterfully cool-climate bouquet of a Shaw + Smith Shiraz crafted for balance over power, with the brightness and vibrancy that the 2023 La Niña season and higher than normal acidity provide.
Palate
Medium-bodied and beautifully balanced — red and blue fruits, white pepper, and good grippy tannins framing a midweight palate of freshness, lift, and luscious fruit. Ripe fruit structure and vibrancy that makes this a very complete and delicious cool-climate Shiraz.
Pairs With
A natural companion for roasted duck, lamb rack, charcuterie, mushroom dishes, grilled salmon, and soft to medium-aged cheeses — equally rewarding now and will continue to develop with further time in the cellar.
Finish
Fresh, lifted, and satisfying — red and blue fruits, white pepper, and grippy tannins fading together in a balanced, cool-climate close that speaks to the quality of the Adelaide Hills terroir and Shaw + Smith’s commitment to freshness and elegance over power.
