I eagerly await the release of the Shaw + Smith M3 Chardonnay each year. Unfortunately I haven’t managed to grab a bottle of the small run 2011 release. It looked quite smart when I tasted it last year. Anyway, the 2012 is a winner.
It’s precise and incisive. Purity of fruit, adroit use of oak, a wonderfully mineral backbone and real persistence. Grapefruit, almonds and nectarine with hints of oatmeal and nougat alongside a restrained note of struck match. Maybe even something reminiscent of apple and Jarlsberg cheese. It concludes with flint, chalk and spice. Detail and definition are key. Lovely now but will improve with bottle-age. 94+ Excellent
Region: Adelaide Hills
Alcohol: 13.0%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $45
Tasted: March 2013