The 2022 Shaw + Smith Shiraz is a beautifully balanced cool-climate Shiraz from the Adelaide Hills, sourced from low-yielding vineyards in Balhannah and the central Adelaide Hills. The 2022 growing season was influenced by La Niña and presented its challenges, but an excellent ripening period in February delivered small, intensely flavoured berries with higher-than-normal natural acidity. The result is exactly the style Shaw + Smith has helped establish for Adelaide Hills Shiraz: medium-bodied, aromatic and spicy, where freshness and balance are prioritised over sheer power.
The palate combines raspberry, blueberry, red plum and boysenberry with white and black pepper, smoked meat, dried herbs and savoury spice. Fine, powdery tannins provide excellent structure, while the elevated natural acidity gives the concentrated fruit impressive freshness and energy. The wine was matured for 10 months in 500–600 litre French oak barrels, with only 20% new oak, followed by a further 16 months in bottle before release. Critical reception has been excellent, including 95 Points from Campbell Mattinson at The Wine Front, 95 Points from Huon Hooke at The Real Review and 94 Points from Mike Bennie at Halliday Wine Companion.
