Shaw and Smith Lenswood Vineyard Chardonnay 2020
A Chardonnay with beautifully intense fruit flavours of citrus and white stone fruits, accompanied by floral, lemon curd and mineral notes. Its layered texture is balanced by a lively, high acidity
Producer
Country
Region
Appellation
Vintage
2020
Wine Type
Grape(s)
Dietary
Alcohol %
Bottle Size
Location
Shaw and Smith Lenswood Vineyard Chardonnay 2020
A standout wine that truly captures the essence of the Lenswood subregion in Adelaide Hills. This vintage, crafted from carefully selected grapes, presents a mesmerizing bouquet that begins with an elegant fusion of citrus, green apple, and pear. These bright fruit aromas are beautifully intertwined with delicate floral notes and a hint of toasted almond, creating a captivating olfactory experience.
On the palate, this Chardonnay reveals its sophistication with a perfect balance of vibrant acidity and rich, creamy texture. The initial taste is a burst of zesty lemon and lime, followed by the ripe juiciness of white peach and nectarine. As the flavors develop, the wine unveils its complexity with subtle nuances of hazelnut, flint, and a touch of vanilla imparted from the French oak barrels during the maturation process.
The finish is exceptionally long and precise, leaving a lasting impression of mineral purity and finesse. The Shaw and Smith Lenswood Vineyard Chardonnay 2020 is a testament to the meticulous vineyard management and winemaking expertise that Shaw and Smith are renowned for. This wine is best enjoyed with seafood, creamy pasta dishes, or simply on its own, allowing its intricate flavors to shine.
The Shaw and Smith Lenswood Vineyard Chardonnay 2020 is a prime example of the exceptional craftsmanship that this winery is known for. This vintage embodies the unique characteristics of the Lenswood subregion in Adelaide Hills, benefiting from its cool climate and high elevation. The 2020 harvest was marked by low yields, which, while challenging, resulted in highly concentrated and flavorful grapes.
The grapes for this Chardonnay were meticulously hand-picked to ensure only the best fruit made it into the wine. Once at the winery, the grapes were whole-bunch pressed to extract juice that is pure and delicate. The fermentation process was carefully controlled, primarily taking place in stainless steel tanks to retain the fresh fruit flavors and vibrant acidity. A portion of the wine was also fermented in French oak barrels, contributing to its complexity and adding subtle layers of flavor.
The aging process for the Shaw and Smith Lenswood Vineyard Chardonnay 2020 is where this wine truly develops its character. It spent 10 months in French oak barrels, with around one-third new oak. This aging period allows the wine to integrate the oak’s influence without overpowering the fruit, resulting in a balanced and harmonious profile. Regular stirring of the lees (batonnage) during this time enhances the wine’s creamy texture and adds depth.
On the palate, this Chardonnay is a symphony of flavors, starting with a burst of citrus and green apple, followed by notes of white peach, nectarine, and hints of toasted almond and vanilla. The finish is long and precise, with a refreshing minerality that speaks to the terroir of the Lenswood Vineyard. The wine’s vibrant acidity and rich, creamy texture make it a versatile pairing for a range of dishes, from seafood to creamy pasta and poultry.
The Adelaide Hills wine region is a renowned appellation located in South Australia, within the Mount Lofty Ranges. It was officially registered as an Australian Geographical Indication (AGI) on February 9, 1998. The region is known for its cool climate, which is ideal for producing high-quality wines with vibrant acidity and fresh fruit flavors.
The Adelaide Hills wine region extends from near Mount Pleasant in the north to Mount Compass in the south. It is bordered by the Barossa Valley to the north and the Fleurieu Zone to the south. The region’s mesoclimate is characterized by cool temperatures and moderate rainfall, creating a long growing season that allows grapes to ripen slowly and develop complex flavors
Established in 1989 by Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith MW, Shaw + Smith’s aim is to make contemporary, high quality wines that stand among the best of their type in Australia. The wines are made exclusively from fruit grown in the Adelaide Hills, one of Australia’s coolest and most exciting regions. Shaw + Smith specialise in grape varieties suited to cooler climates, such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, and also make outstanding wines from Shiraz and Pinot Noir.
Chardonnay
From crisp unoaked versions from cool climates, to full-bodied and oak-aged versions from more moderate climates, and even to sparkling blanc de blancs, the flavors of Chardonnay can vary significantly, while also retaining common characteristics.
On the nose, unoaked, or ‘Chablis-style’ Chardonnays, tend to offer fragrant notes of green apple, pear, and citrus, with some chalky or mineral-like aromas.
Oaked Chardonnays, particularly those in the ‘Burgundian’ style, will often present rich aromas of peach, mango, and lemon, accompanied by notes of vanilla, butter, and often a hint of toasted bread or nuttiness due to the influence of oak, malolactic fermentation, and lees stirring.
On the palate Chardonnay offers a broad range of experiences depending on its style. Unoaked Chardonnays are typically lean and crisp, with high acidity, often resembling the freshness of a Sauvignon Blanc but with more body.
Oaked Chardonnays are known for their full-bodied, creamy mouthfeel, moderate acidity, and flavors of butter, vanilla, baking spices overlaying a stone fruit character. Despite the stylistic differences, both types tend to share a characteristic underlying note of apple or citrus. With age, no matter the style, chardonnay tends to develop hazelnut aromas. Most wines range from 12-14%.
International Wine Challenge 2023, Gold
- Suitable for Vegans
- Suitable for Vegetarians
- Organic
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.
The Country
Australia, with its vast landmass spanning over 7.5 million square kilometres, offers a rich tapestry of wine styles. Climates and topography vary significantly, resulting in unique terroirs that shape the character of Australian wines. Here’s a glimpse into the grape varieties and wine styles you can discover:
Shiraz (Syrah): Often hailed as Australia’s flagship grape, Shiraz thrives in various regions. Cabernet Sauvignon: Cabernet Sauvignon vines flourish in South Australia, particularly in Coonawarra and Margaret River. Chardonnay: Australia’s Chardonnays range from unoaked and fresh to full-flavored and creamy. Riesling: Cool-climate regions like Clare Valley and Eden Valley craft exquisite Rieslings. Pinot Noir: Tasmania and Mornington Peninsula are Pinot Noir havens. Sauvignon Blanc: Adelaide Hills and Margaret River produce zesty, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc.
In this vast and diverse landscape, Australian wines invite you to explore, savor, and celebrate the artistry of winemaking
The Region
South Australia is the historic heart of Australian wine, boasting some of the most famous regions, well-known wineries, and oldest vines in the country such as Adelaide Hills just 20 minutes east of Adelaide, Barossa Valley world-renowned for its historic vineyards and full-flavored Shiraz, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon, Connawarra Known worldwide for its outstanding, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon and McLaren Vale South Australia’s first wine region, established in 1838,
The Producer
Established in 1989 by Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith MW, Shaw + Smith’s aim is to make contemporary, high quality wines that stand among the best of their type in Australia. The wines are made exclusively from fruit grown in the Adelaide Hills, one of Australia’s coolest and most exciting regions. Shaw + Smith specialise in grape varieties suited to cooler climates, such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, and also make outstanding wines from Shiraz and Pinot Noir.
