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.

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. Date: April 2026; Rating: 95 Points; Jeni Port; Wine Pilot

I think this is a very good representation of harnessing the seasonal shifts of 2023. It leans into its red plum and blood orange fruit with a briar of blackberries and theory stems. Some porcini mushroom, wakame and rye seed spice. With some time in the bottle the acidity feels focused with powdery fine tannins playing in harmony. There is a sappy moreish licorice root chew, that has you sipping humming along and sipping again. This is a wine for pairing with those lovely bavette, flank steak and stringing lamb rib bites, meat that is a pleasure to sink your teeth into. Get carnivorous with this one. Drink now or cellar for 2-4 years further. Date: Aug 2026; Rating: 95 Points; Shanteh Wale; Wine Pilot