Shaw + Smith M3 Chardonnay 2018

Shaw + Smith M3 Chardonnay 2018

  16:00    Stu.

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Typically expressive example, of stone fruit and with added subtlety of florals and grapefruit like citrus.

Palate shows zip and verve, an energy that gives the wine length and intensity of flavour. A textural spread adds width to the wine, providing a multi-dimensional aspect to the wine.

It’s really that driving spine of acidity that mark this out from previous vintages, a wine of focus and precision - but don't mistake that as lacking in substance. A quite excellent release. 94

Tasted on: Sunday 10th November,  a Leaf to Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $49
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.shawandsmith.com/

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Tapanappa Piccadilly Chardonnay 2017

Tapanappa Piccadilly Chardonnay 2017

  08:30    Stu.

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Brian Croser is undoubtedly the Godfather of Adelaide Hills Chardonnay, first planting the region to the variety some 40-odd years ago. 

Broad and powerful wine, instantly you feel seduced by its quite intoxicating allure of stonefruit, citrus and oak. The palate suggests sandalwood meets a subtle cinnamon tinged spice. Has substance, yet also a gentle flowing length across the length of the palate. 

As ever balance is key, and that elegant wine combined with acidity will see this hold well. At ten dollars cheaper than Shaw + Smith's M3 it's a very attractive premium regional offering. 93 

Tasted on: Monday 27th May, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $39
Alcohol: 13.3%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://tapanappa.com.au

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Shaw + Smith M3 Chardonnay 2017

Shaw + Smith M3 Chardonnay 2017

  08:35    Stu.

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Always a wine that exhibits the winemakers intent well. Here, the meal aspects of the Chardonnay combined with stonefruit hints sit first, with biscuity notes supplementary to that. 

The body a textural and minerally delight, with a fine spine of acidity. A wine of presence, elegance and balance. 93 

Tasted on: Wednesday 22nd May, a Fruit day 
Source: Sample
Price: $49
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.shawandsmith.com

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

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Shaw + Smith M3 Chardonnay 2016

Shaw + Smith M3 Chardonnay 2016

  08:30    Stu.

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An exemplary Chardonnay. Need Shaw & Smith’s M3 warrant further introduction?

Carries an initial richness, a mealy golden glow that emanates from glass over well pitched stone fruit.

Well-rounded mouthful, offset against a suggestion of grapefruit zestiness and mineral. The palate carries a little of everything, weight and presence; spice and fruit. Nothing outcompeting, battling, or vying for attention. In summary: a masterclass in balance. 92

Tasted on: Wednesday 30th May
Source: Sample
Price: $46
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.shawandsmith.com

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

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Shaw + Smith M3 Chardonnay 2015

Shaw + Smith M3 Chardonnay 2015

  14:30    Stu.

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Powerhouse of a Chardonnay, has an edge of complexity, subtle citrus and stonefruit, meal and cashew creaminess. The complete package backed up with oak derived spice. 

Doesn't disappoint here either: flinty complexity, fruit presence too, balanced acidity, giving generous length. 

Superb 93+ 

Tasted on: Sunday 23rd April, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $46
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.shawandsmith.com/

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

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Shaw & Smith Lenswood Vineyard Chardonnay 2014

Shaw & Smith Lenswood Vineyard Chardonnay 2014

  08:30    Stu.

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Whilst Shaw + Smith's exemplar M3 Chardonnay is an exercise in regional composition, the individual site that makes up much of the core of that wine has been celebrated with its own single vineyard release in the portfolio. 

Comprising about three puncheons, one of which is new, this wine seems somewhat reserved, mute: it’s all about citrus, with a little zestyness, a freshness and a little draw of fresh herb adding to that.

The palate is fresh, positively alive - has excellent shape, back palate texture, not creaminess - savoury nuances, flinty and mineral-like. It’s crisp, almost snapping to attention as it draws long across the palate. And length, what fantastic length here. 94 

Tasted on: Monday 8th August
Source: Tasting
Price: $85
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.shawandsmith.com/

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Shaw & Smith M3 Chardonnay 2014

Shaw & Smith M3 Chardonnay 2014

  08:30    Stu.

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Grilled peach, barrel ferment and a little toasty oak funk. 

Vanilla panna cotta, segueing to stonefruit afore enlivening citrus acidity. The sum of its parts pulling together beautifully to create a wine of focus and persistence. 

There's a delicate powdery, chalky feel to the finish - just adds to an excellent length of flavour. Consistently excellent, upper echelon, Australian Chardonnay 93 

Tasted on: Wednesday 11th May: Flower to Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $45
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.shawandsmith.com/

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

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Shaw & Smith M3 Chardonnay 2013

Shaw & Smith M3 Chardonnay 2013

  14:50    Stu.

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Amongst the supermodels of Australian Chardonnay, the Shaw & Smith M3 in its 2013 guise is more Kate Moss than Claudia Schiffer (references that show my age more than anything).

Lean, stonefruit, citrus and cream. There's racy acidity intertwined with spicy oak and hints of flinty mineral. A little creaminess skirts around the edges, balancing against the acid somewhat. You'd be hoping it softens further, fills out a little.

The fruit has carry, long on an excellent finish. It is this indicator that shows the wine as one that will benefit from a little additional time in bottle. 92+

Tasted on: Sunday 13th July, a Fruit transitioning to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $45
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.shawandsmith.com/

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

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