Shaw and Smith M3 Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2020
The palate is medium to full-bodied, with a refreshing acidity that balances the wine’s richness. Flavors of citrus and white nectarine are prominent, with a fine, dry finish that lingers
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The Shaw and Smith M3 Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2020 is a beautifully crafted wine that showcases the elegance and complexity of the Adelaide Hills region. In the glass, it presents a soft gold hue.
On the nose, it offers an enticing bouquet of fresh white flowers, lemon, and nectarine, complemented by subtle notes of woodsmoke and hazelnut.
The palate is medium to full-bodied, with a refreshing acidity that balances the wine’s richness. Flavors of citrus and white nectarine are prominent, with a fine, dry finish that lingers. Shaw and Smith M3 Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2020 is well-structured and built to develop further with age, making it a delightful choice for both immediate enjoyment and cellaring
The Shaw and Smith M3 Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2020 is meticulously crafted to highlight the unique terroir of the Adelaide Hills. The production process begins with handpicking the grapes to ensure only the best fruit is used. The grapes are then whole-bunch pressed, which helps to retain the delicate flavors and aromas.
Fermentation takes place in a combination of new and seasoned French oak barrels, adding complexity and subtle oak influence without overpowering the fruit. The wine undergoes partial malolactic fermentation, which softens the acidity and adds a creamy texture to the palate.
Aging is done on lees for about 9 months, which enhances the wine’s mouthfeel and adds layers of flavor. This process also contributes to the wine’s longevity, allowing it to develop further complexity with time in the bottle.
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%.
The Wine Merchant Top 100 2023, Top 100
- Suitable for Vegans
- Suitable for Vegetarians
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Chardonnay Wines available at Penventon Hotel
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
Australia Wines available at Penventon Hotel
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,
South Australia Wines available at Penventon Hotel
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.
