2023 Shaw + Smith Sauvignon Blanc, Adelaide Hills

Pale, water-white colour; pungent intensity of aromas, peppermint lolllies, backrgioudb lemon jucioe and herbs bioth fresh and dried. Lively, delicate uet intesne plaate flavour, great varietal character and finishes clean and dry and long, withn balanced but refreshing acidity and an emphatic farewell. Very smart Aussie sauvignon blanc. 14 JUL 2023 Drink 2023–2031

94 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

Punchy is the word chosen by Shaw + Smith and, as usual, it’s spot on for the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc. Yellow passionfruit, grapefruit skin and guava meets shiso leaf, bitter melon and homemade lemonade. There is a gentleness to the undulation of acidity which continues to roll on and on. It’s just like that fresh squeeze of lemon that just makes almost everything better in the culinary world. A lovely elegant vintage of this iconic Australian Sauvignon Blanc.

93 points Shanteh Wale winepilot.com

This is only the second 2023 vintage I have tasted in bottle—perhaps not relevant, but it's an indicator that the year is moving on with pace. Leading with juniper and cassis, the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc is fresh and pert, with bright fruit and fine, chalky phenolics. I really like this wine, but then again, everyone in Australia really likes this wine. Every single year it delivers this experience of reliably good drinking. Famous for a reason. 12.% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

93 points Erin Larkin robertparker.com

Shaw + Smith Sauvignon Blanc from the Adelaide Hills is a crisp, refreshing white that perfectly captures the cool-climate brilliance of this renowned Australian region. The Adelaide Hills, with its high-altitude vineyards and fresh, cool nights, provides the ideal conditions for Sauvignon Blanc, allowing the grapes to retain vibrant acidity and aromatic intensity. Shaw + Smith, known for producing wines that are both modern and expressive, has crafted a Sauvignon Blanc that’s full of character and purity.

The fruit for this Sauvignon Blanc comes from Shaw + Smith’s carefully managed estate vineyards, where the combination of elevation, soils, and climate ensures the grapes ripen slowly and evenly. Winemaker Martin Shaw focus is on minimal intervention to allow the true expression of the fruit to shine, fermenting the wine in stainless steel to preserve its fresh, zesty character.

In the glass, the wine presents a pale, vibrant straw color with green tinges, a reflection of its freshness. The nose is a bouquet of citrus fruits—lime, lemon, and grapefruit—along with a hint of tropical fruit like passionfruit and a touch of herbaceousness that’s characteristic of Sauvignon Blanc. On the palate, it’s light to medium-bodied, with a crisp, lively acidity that provides balance and structure. The fruit flavors are clean and pure, with citrus and green apple leading the way, complemented by a minerally edge that adds depth and complexity. The finish is dry and refreshing, with a lingering citrus note that makes you want to take another sip.

This Sauvignon Blanc is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide range of dishes. It’s perfect with fresh seafood, such as oysters, prawns, or grilled fish, as well as salads, goat cheese, or light pasta dishes. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or with food, this wine offers a vibrant, enjoyable experience that showcases the best of the Adelaide Hills.