2022 Shaw + Smith Lenswood Chardonnay, Adelaide Hills

From a Lenswood site at 500m elevation, produced from three chardonnay grape clones. A beautiful, poised and energetic white wine that marries minerality, fine-boned fruit character, the sweet spice of oak seasoning, freshness and textural nuance with aplomb. An ultra-appealing perfume of stone fruits, cinnamon, sea spray, nougat, ginger biscuits and halva meets a flavour profile of similar descriptors lifted on a gentle wash of green apple and fino sherry saline/savoury notes that follow through with more flinty minerality. It sits even, succulent and deeply flavoured, yet fresh through its ultra-persistent course across the palate. Seductive, superb wine.

96 points Mike Bennie winecompanion.com.au

An exceptional vintage for white wines. A lower pH, inherent freshness and phenolic bite, the artillery that delivers the impressive structural latticework necessary for further development. Really classy. Subdued aromas of cinnamon, sesame, quince, ginger and toasted hazelnut, with the barest hint of fruit. Better this way. The mid-weighted palate is pliant, nicely chewy and multilayered. The finish is exceptionally long, although I look forward to tasting again in another six or eight years after things unravel and meld. Stunning chardonnay, aligned with top-tier Chassagne and certainly among the finest tasted in recent memory.

97 points jamessuckling.com

A cascade of yellow grapefruit juice, juiced green apples and lime sorbet. Elderflower and Acacia blossoms. A hint of green coconut and lemongrass. It's full of citrus zest with an almond milk creaminess and roast raw macadamia on the finish. Nutmeg, tahini and baked anzac biscuits. A harmony of high tones and deep base notes that presents a birds eye view of Hills chardonnay. There is real power and weight here but with plenty of fruit tension and enough malo buffering. A joy to drink now and will cellar 5-8 years. I can see this served beside a river of raclette on hot bread.

96 points Shanteh Wale winepilot.com

Shaw + Smith Lenswood Chardonnay is a refined and expressive single-vineyard wine from the cool-climate Adelaide Hills region. Crafted by one of Australia’s leading wineries, this Chardonnay reflects the pristine terroir of the Lenswood vineyard, which sits at an elevation of 500 meters. The site’s cooler temperatures and ancient soils provide ideal conditions for growing Chardonnay with precision, elegance, and depth.

The Lenswood vineyard features predominantly clay loam soils with patches of sandstone and shale, contributing minerality and structure to the wine. The elevation and gentle slopes create a long ripening period, which allows the grapes to develop concentrated flavors while retaining bright natural acidity. Rigorous vineyard management ensures low yields and exceptional fruit quality.

Winemaking is focused on letting the vineyard’s character shine. Grapes are hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed to preserve delicate aromas and flavors. Fermentation occurs in French oak barrels (about one-third new), followed by 10 months of maturation on lees. This process adds complexity, texture, and subtle oak influence while maintaining purity and freshness.

In the glass, Shaw + Smith Lenswood Chardonnay reveals a pale golden hue with green reflections. The nose is beautifully layered, offering aromas of white peach, citrus zest, and nectarine, complemented by hints of struck flint, almond, and a touch of spice. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and elegant, with fine acidity supporting flavors of lemon curd, ripe stone fruit, and subtle oak. The wine’s mineral backbone and creamy texture lead to a long, focused finish.

This Chardonnay pairs brilliantly with seared scallops, roasted chicken with lemon and herbs, or grilled spatchcock. Its balance of acidity and richness also complements lightly spiced dishes, such as Moroccan chicken or pan-fried fish with a citrus beurre blanc. The wine is drinking beautifully now but will continue to develop further complexity over the next 5-8 years.