Sarah Ahmed – The Wine Detective

Cousins Michael Hill-Smith MW and Martin Shaw started making wine together in the Adelaide Hills under their Shaw & Smith label in 1989. Last week they were in town to celebrate their 20th anniversary with a tasting of mini-verticals that struck right at the heart of Australia’s winemaking spirit – rigorous in approach yet open-minded and with the results to show.  Indeed, Michael confessed that they’d been “demented” to focus on Merlot and their position on screwcaps and wild yeast ferments has certainly shifted since I visited in 2004.

You’ll find my full report here, but my favourites were the M3 Chardonnay 2006 and Shiraz 2007 – currently on deal in Majestic fine wine.

The new to the UK Pinot Noir 2008 is an exciting release, if a little pricey – I don’t imagine Shaw & Smith doing a Merlot and changing their mind about this one!

All best

Sarah Ahmed
The Wine Detective