Shaw + Smith: Adelaide Hills, Australia
Sauvignon Blanc, Adelaide Hills
The Adelaide Hills is clearly the leading region for Sauvignon Blanc in Australia. Shaw + Smith has Sauvignon Blanc has been made since 1990 and is a benchmark for the country. Made from 100% Adelaide Hills fruit, principally from the estate’s Woodside Vineyard, which has high-density plantings on soil structures that are a shallow red/brown loam over schist and clay. The fruit is hand-picked, and whole bunches are crushed, chilled and pressed. No malolactic fermentation occurs as the objective is to retain fruit purity and natural acidity, and the wine is unwooded to maximize the expressiveness of its varietal character.
In 2007 the season was overall very warm and dry. Spring frosts affected certain parts of the Adelaide Hills, hence quantities were down a little but not dramatically. The Adelaide Hills had a good vintage in terms of quality with the flavors of Sauvignon Blanc more in the tropical and less herbaceous spectrum. Palate weight is good.
The aroma has restrained sauvignon grassiness coupled with riper fruit characters. The palate is fresh and lively with pure varietal flavors and crisp acidity.
The Wine Spectator has commented in general about the Shaw + Smith Sauvignon Blanc, saying “The Sauvignon Blanc is perhaps the best in Australia, made in a zingy, citrusy style that would give New Zealand versions a run for their money.”
2007 Vintage Reviews:“Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith consistently make the best sauvignon blanc in Australia, hands down. Their latest release is packed with lime and ruby grapefruit zest. It’s a clean, fragrant white to serve with scallop and oyster stew.” 91 Wine & Spirits, February 2008
2005 Vintage Reviews:
“Bright and juicy, with a sense of refinement to the otherwise lively lime, pear and delicate herb flavors that linger nicely.” 90 and Top 100 Great Values, Wine Spectator, October 2006
“Martin Shaw consistenly makes what well may be the best sauvignon blanc in Australia.” 91 Wine & Spirits, February 2006
“Pale gold. Spicy, peppery aromas of green apple, pear, quince and white peach. Fresh and expansive on the palate, the fruit taking a tropical turn. Orange, tangerine, pineapple and mango flavors emerge with aeration, all tinged by a talcy mineral note. Juicy, fresh and long, showing impressive energy through the finish. This is awfully easy to drink.” 90 Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, Jul/Aug 2006
Click here to return to the Shaw + Smith Estate page
Other Wines from Shaw + Smith
- Wines:
-
- M3 Vineyard Chardonnay
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Shiraz
