Shaw + Smith M3 Chardonnay 2022

Winemaking and Drinking

Shaw + Smith's M3 Chardonnay 2022 is a testament to the finesse of Adelaide Hills winemaking. Renowned for its cool-climate elegance, this wine represents a pinnacle of Australian Chardonnay, combining meticulous viticulture, thoughtful winemaking, and a commitment to quality.

Origins and Philosophy

The M3 Chardonnay takes its name from the three partners behind Shaw + Smith: Michael Hill Smith, Martin Shaw, and Matthew Hill Smith. First produced in 2000, the wine highlights the unique terroir of the Adelaide Hills, particularly the vineyards around Lenswood and Piccadilly. These high-altitude sites feature cool temperatures, long growing seasons, and free-draining soils, creating the perfect environment for crafting sophisticated Chardonnay.

In 2022, the growing season was marked by a cooler summer with steady rainfall, ideal for slow ripening. This resulted in fruit with vibrant acidity and concentrated flavors, ensuring a vintage of remarkable quality.

Tasting Notes

The M3 Chardonnay 2022 captivates with its balance of complexity and restraint. Pale straw in color, the nose reveals aromas of white peach, citrus zest, and subtle flint, underscored by a delicate note of struck match. The palate is layered and textural, offering flavors of stone fruit, grapefruit, and a hint of almond. A vibrant acidity and mineral backbone give the wine precision and length, finishing with a gentle creaminess from well-integrated oak.

Winemaking Excellence

Fermentation occurred in a mix of new and seasoned French oak barrels, allowing for nuanced oak influence without overpowering the fruit. Partial malolactic fermentation enhanced the wine’s texture while preserving its bright acidity. Aging on lees for nine months contributed to its complexity and depth.

Awards and Accolades

The 2022 vintage has already garnered critical acclaim, praised for its elegance and precision. Esteemed wine critics have lauded its balance and restraint, with James Halliday awarding it 96 points, calling it a “benchmark Australian Chardonnay.” It continues to solidify its reputation as one of the country’s finest expressions of the varietal.

With its sophisticated style, the Shaw + Smith M3 Chardonnay 2022 is a wine of exceptional pedigree and undeniable allure, perfect for collectors and enthusiasts alike.