2015 Shaw & Smith Adelaide Hills Shiraz

Sourced from low yielding vines predominantly at Balhannah, in the central Adelaide Hills, and Macclesfield, the warmer and drier sub-region to the south, this is one of the benchmark Shiraz’ of the region. The fruit was fermented as a combination of whole berries and whole bunches in open fermenters and the resulting wine aged in French oak (30% new) for a period of 14 months.

A wonderful Adelaide Hills Shiraz – rich, savoury and supple – a reflection the remarkable 2015 growing season.

Totally opaque black dark red colour with a bright dark red black tinged hue. Pronounced aromas of blackberries, liquorice and plums are overlaid by dried clove and smoky cedar notes with some meaty blackpepper characters ensuing. Rich and plush in texture yet still possessing plenty of cool climate finesse and refinement the palate is flooded with a savoury flavour profile of blackberries, liquorice and juicy plums infused with dried clove, smoky cedar, some meatiness and blackpepper. There’s an underlying sturdiness to the very fine grained almost velvet like tannins which in combination with the perfectly judged acidity provide a great framework. Excellent power wave with a long conclusion of peppered blackberries, liquorice and plums, smoky vanilln cedar, meaty characters and some dried clove infusions.
Cellar 6-8 years.
Alc 14.5%

Other Reviews….
From central and southern (the latter warmer) parts of the Adelaide Hills, hand-picked, part destemmed, part whole bunch, open-fermented with gentle plunging. The colour is bright, the bouquet full of red fruits, darker fruit notes and delicious pepper and spice nuances. These characters flow through to the medium-bodied palate of Shaw + Smith's most consistently outstanding wine, the '15 vintage making it seem so easy. Drink by 2030.
97 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion