Family Article
Shaw and Smith Chardonnay M3 Vineyard
Last edited on 7/8/2019 by LindsayM
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The Story
The Shaw + Smith winery was built in 2000, providing the ability to whole-bunch press chilled grapes for the first time, and underpinning the evolution of style from that first M3 Chardonnay vintage in 2000 through to the present day. The most significant event since then came in 2012 with the purchase of the Lenswood vineyard. Chardonnay was originally planted in Lenswood for sparkling wine production but it now fulfils its potential for fine still wine, with finesse, flavour, and great natural acidity.
Growing and making
From Piccadilly, Lobethal and our Lenswood Vineyard, at 455–500 metres elevation. Undulating with east and west facing aspects, the soils are brown loams over clay with broken shale on the ridges. The vineyard was planted in 1999. Hand picked and whole bunch pressed. Fermented and matured on lees in French oak barriques and puncheons.
What to expect
Aiming for elegance, restraint and the ability to age, acid is bright and there’s generosity of flavour. Typically it shows white flowers, citrus, and nectarine notes.
The Shaw + Smith winery was built in 2000, providing the ability to whole-bunch press chilled grapes for the first time, and underpinning the evolution of style from that first M3 Chardonnay vintage in 2000 through to the present day. The most significant event since then came in 2012 with the purchase of the Lenswood vineyard. Chardonnay was originally planted in Lenswood for sparkling wine production but it now fulfils its potential for fine still wine, with finesse, flavour, and great natural acidity.
Growing and making
From Piccadilly, Lobethal and our Lenswood Vineyard, at 455–500 metres elevation. Undulating with east and west facing aspects, the soils are brown loams over clay with broken shale on the ridges. The vineyard was planted in 1999. Hand picked and whole bunch pressed. Fermented and matured on lees in French oak barriques and puncheons.
What to expect
Aiming for elegance, restraint and the ability to age, acid is bright and there’s generosity of flavour. Typically it shows white flowers, citrus, and nectarine notes.