Shaw + Smith is an alliance between cousins Martin Shaw and Michael Hill-Smith. Their aim is to make contemporary, high quality wines that are outstanding examples of their type made from grapes grown in the Adelaide Hills. Shaw + Smith specialise in grape varieties suited to the cooler climate of the Adelaide Hills, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay & Shiraz.

This undoubtedly one of the best chardonnays in Australia. Serious and built to last, it’s refined and elegant and made with true craftsmanship, using wild ferments and allowing the fruit to shine. Stone fruit, lemon zest and grapefruit are at the heart of this white combined with subtle biscuity notes. It’s intense and weighty, balanced by fresh, crisp acid. Pair it with blackened flathead and tomato chilli chutney.

Precise, minerally and laser focused with a lovely hint of reduction, giving aromas of salty lemon peel, grapefruit, pie crust, nectarines and flint. The palate is tightly wound with a medium-bodied mouthfeel and a creamy yet energetic and bright palate, showing flavors of white peaches, pomelo and nectarines. A tightly wound and bright wine that will evolve nicely over time. Date:  May 2025; Rating: 95 Points; James Suckling

The cool and generous rainfall in the growing season led to drier than average conditions in the lead up to vintage, providing fragrantly scented yellow flowers for the introduction of the 2024 vintage. Marigold, Azalea and Honeysuckle. Paper edges caught alight with blue flame, some crushed river stone and white peach. This is decidedly delicate but with the notable magnetism that is M3. The wine moves with a stir of creamed bran, fennel seed and lemon pulp citrus. Its tension teetotallers between succulent acidity and the toasted sesame and cracked kernel oak elements. Its once again, bold and full of razzle dazzle but with all the class and finer details nicely tucked perfectly in place. Creamy Risotto di Go (If you happen to know a Venetian) or white fish risotto would make for a stunning pairing. Drink now or will while a way in the cellar for 3-6 years further. Date: Aug 2025; Rating: 95 Points; Shanteh Wale; Wine Pilot