Shaw & Smith Balhannah Vineyard Shiraz 2023
Growing the best possible grapes, managing vineyards sustainably, and valuing vine health, soil health, and low yields are central to the Shaw + Smith approach. In the pursuit of quality the wines are fermented, aged and bottled on site at Balhannah. The wines are vibrant, modern expressions of their varieties, their sites and the season. Shaw + Smith own four Adelaide Hills vineyards, in Lenswood, Piccadilly, Balhannah and Lobethal.
From close-planted (5,500 vines/hectare) low yielding vines from block two at Shaw + Smith’s Balhannah Vineyard, planted in 2005. It has a north-facing aspect and the soils are loam over clay, ironstone, quartzite, and shale.
Hand-picked and hand sorted. Aged for 14 months in 500 to 600 litre French oak barrels, 15% new, followed by a further 14 months in bottle.
Will reward careful cellaring for up to 20 years.
Fresh and aromatic with lifted florals, red fruits and subtle spice. Notes of graphite bring definition to the wine, and a thread of black olive tapenade adds a savoury edge.
The palate is finely structured, with supple tannins making the wine immediately approachable. A vintage that clearly expresses the Balhannah Vineyard character.
