Shaw + Smith M3 Chardonnay 2022

Shaw + Smith is a renowned winery located in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia, known for its precise, elegant wines that showcase the region's cool-climate potential. Founded in 1989 by cousins Michael Hill Smith and Martin Shaw, the winery has established itself as one of Australia's premier producers of Chardonnay. The "M3" Chardonnay is a flagship wine for Shaw + Smith, named after the three founding partners of the winery and known for its consistent quality and finesse. The 2022 vintage continues this legacy, offering a refined expression of Chardonnay from the cool-climate Adelaide Hills.

The Adelaide Hills region benefits from high altitudes, cool nights, and diverse soils, ideal for growing Chardonnay with natural acidity and vibrant fruit. Shaw + Smith focuses on small-batch winemaking, with an emphasis on hand-harvesting and careful selection of fruit. The 2022 M3 Chardonnay was fermented in a combination of French oak barrels and larger puncheons, with a portion undergoing malolactic fermentation to enhance texture. The wine was aged on lees to build complexity while preserving freshness and minerality.

Appearance: Pale straw with a light golden hue, reflecting its youth and vibrancy. The wine has brilliant clarity and a slight sheen from its time on lees.

Aroma: The nose is expressive and layered, with notes of white peach, nectarine, and lemon curd mingling with more complex elements of flinty minerality, almond, and subtle oak influence. There are delicate hints of fresh brioche and toasted hazelnuts, adding depth without overwhelming the fruit.

Taste: On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with a taut, fresh acidity that keeps it lively. Flavours of stone fruits such as peach and nectarine are complemented by citrus notes of lemon zest and grapefruit. The oak is beautifully integrated, offering a touch of creaminess and a hint of vanilla, but the wine remains focused on its mineral-driven core, with a slight saline edge adding tension and elegance.

Finish: The finish is long, clean, and refreshing, with lingering notes of citrus, white peach, and a delicate nutty undertone. The wine’s crisp acidity and subtle oak provide structure, ensuring a balanced and graceful conclusion.

Food Pairing: Shaw + Smith M3 Chardonnay 2022 pairs excellently with dishes that showcase delicate flavours and textures. A perfect pairing would be seared scallops with a lemon beurre blanc sauce, where the wine’s acidity and minerality complement the rich, buttery scallops, while its citrus notes enhance the lemony brightness of the dish. Another great match would be roast chicken with a thyme and garlic rub, where the wine’s creamy texture and subtle oak bring out the savoury depth of the chicken, while the wine's fresh acidity cuts through the richness of the dish.