Shaw + Smith Shiraz 2012 (Adelaide Hills, SA)
13.5%, Screwcap, $44
Source: Sample
www.shawandsmith.com
Another supreme release of Shaw + Smith Shiraz, and perhaps the finest yet.
It’s been a finessing process to get to this high level really, taking place over the past decade. The fruit sourcing, for starters, has evolved over the years, with the blend now including more Macclesfield (warmer, drier part of the Adelaide Hills) fruit for example. Viognier has been phased out too (this is 100% Shiraz I believe) and more whole bunches used in the ferment.
There is something quite Grampians-esque about the profile this year actually, but with more acidity and spice, making something rather delicious.
As for criticisms, I think I’d like a little more tannin to finish off the roundness, but otherwise genuinely hard to fault.
Impressive juice. Well priced too.
Score: 18.5/20, 94/100
Would I buy it? Yes.
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2 Comments
I've never really loved this wine, though have enjoyed a few bottles well enough over the years, and have never cellared any. Could this be the one?
MC
Could be MC. Certainly the most stylish iteration yet