Shaw + Smith is an alliance between cousins Martin Shaw and Michael Hill-Smith. Their aim is to make contemporary, high quality wines that are outstanding examples of their type made from grapes grown in the Adelaide Hills. Shaw + Smith specialise in grape varieties suited to the cooler climate of the Adelaide Hills, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay & Shiraz.

A bit of struck match here, but also lots of nashi pear, fairly dripping with flavour, cinnamon laced pasty dough, grapefruit, nougat, a bit of a salty manzanilla tang too, mint and chamomile. It’s saline and savoury, a powdery grip to texture, aniseed perfume, and again that salty pistachio thing on a finish of excellent length. Sophisticated style  Saline. Very adult. And very very good. Yes. Tasted: Feb 2025; Alcohol: 13%; Price: $97; Closure: Screwcap; Drink: 2025-2033+; Rated: 96 Points; Gary Walsh; The Wine Front