2022 Shaw + Smith Shiraz, Adelaide Hills

This is delightful. It opens with an expectation: game meat, white pepper, raspberry, tart cherry, some dried herbs and a whiff of truffle. Savouriness and pretty fruit hand in hand. It delivers on the palate, satiny tannins wrap up more of those fruit and savoury elements, game meat and pepper a strong card but beautifully woven through red fruits and sweeter spices. Ribbons of those tannins trail long through the palate; a light dusting of spice lingers. It's spot-on medium weight, too. So much charm.

94 points Mike Bennie winecompanion.com.au

Deep, dark red-purple with black tints, the bouquet quite whole-bunchy with humus, spice and root vegetable aromas, the palate intense and concentrated with sustained flavour and finely balanced powdery tannins that run long to an extended finish. A powerful yet elegant shiraz drinking well now but with a long life in front of it. 28 Sep 2024 Drink 2024–2039

95 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

Founded in 1989 by cousins Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith, Shaw + Smith has become one of Australia’s most respected wineries, focusing on producing exceptional wines from carefully selected vineyards in the Adelaide Hills. Their Shiraz stands apart from warmer-climate Australian Shiraz, showcasing finesse, balance, and bright aromatics rather than overt power.

Winemaker Adam Wadewitz, a highly regarded figure in Australian winemaking, brings his precision and expertise to Shaw + Smith’s wines. His focus on gentle handling and minimal intervention allows the vineyard’s character to shine, resulting in wines with clarity, freshness, and structure.

Deep ruby in color, the Shiraz offers an enticing bouquet of dark cherries, blackberries, and red plums, with layers of pepper, violet, and subtle spice. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and beautifully balanced, featuring juicy dark fruit flavors framed by fine-grained tannins and lively acidity. A touch of oak adds complexity with hints of cedar and mocha, leading to a long, mineral-driven finish with echoes of dark chocolate and dried herbs.

This Shiraz pairs well with roast lamb, duck confit, and chargrilled beef. Its bright acidity and refined tannins also make it an excellent match for mushroom-based dishes, charcuterie, and hard cheeses like aged cheddar. While approachable now, it will develop further depth and complexity over the next 10–15 years.

Shaw + Smith Shiraz has earned numerous accolades, including multiple high scores from major wine critics and awards such as Best Australian Shiraz and listings in prestigious wine guides like James Halliday’s Wine Companion. The consistent quality and cool-climate character of this wine make it a standout in the growing world of Adelaide Hills Shiraz.