Shaw + Smith M3 Chardonnay 2023
Established in 1989 by Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith MW, Shaw + Smith's aim is to make contemporary, high quality wines that stand among the best of their type in Australia. The wines are made exclusively from fruit grown in the Adelaide Hills, one of Australia's coolest and most exciting wine regions. Fruit for the M3 Chardonnay was predominantly sourced from the Shaw + Smith vineyard at Lenswood, which was planted in 1999 and purchased by Martin and Michael in 2012. The grapes are whole bunch pressed, and then fermented in French oak, one third of which was new. The wine was matured for nine months in oak with some lees stirring, followed by two months in tank on lees prior to bottling. This Chardonnay has great presence, with intense aromas of white flowers and lemon blossom alongside smoky notes from the perfectly integrated oak. Typically, the 'M3' shows citrus and nectarine notes. Aiming for elegance, restraint and the ability to age, the acidity is bright and there is generosity of flavour.
