2023 Shaw + Smith M3 Chardonnay

WINEMAKER: Adam Wadewitz & Martin Shaw
REGION: Adelaide Hills, SA
VARIETY: Chardonnay 
VITICULTURE: Sustainable/Organic

Another cooler than average season with some influence from La Niña weather patterns. The season was cool to begin with, which meant a smaller crop formed during fruit- set. Then it was a mild summer that warmed up towards the end, adding flavour and ripeness to the fresh acidity. Hand-picked grapes are pressed as whole bunches, and then squeezed gently but firmly in an air-bag press. The juice goes into barrels made of the finest French oak, for fermentation. After about 9 months in oak, first fermenting, then going through the magical ‘malolactic’ ferment, the batches are blended to stainless steel tanks before bottling.

Aiming for elegance, restraint and the ability to age, acid is bright and there’s generosity of flavour. Typically it shows white flowers, citrus, and nectarine notes.

First vintage 1990 – over 30 years of winemaking experience in the region. • Founded by cousins Michael Hill Smith MW and Martin Shaw who are now supported by a wine obsessed crew of professionals. • Making modern expressions of cool-climate wines that reflect site and climate. Owners of vineyards in three key sub-regions - Lenswood, Balhannah and Piccadilly. • Committed to growing the best grapes possible and managing the vineyards in a sustainable fashion with an uncompromising pursuit of quality - all wines are fermented, aged and bottled onsite at Balhannah.