Shaw + Smith Pinot Noir 2023

Shaw + Smith Pinot Noir: Origins, Craftsmanship, and Recognition

Shaw + Smith Pinot Noir stands as a benchmark expression of cool climate Australian Pinot, born from the innovative spirit of two cousins—Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith MW who co-founded the winery in 1989. Nestled in the high altitude Lenswood and Piccadilly subregions of the Adelaide Hills, their vision was to craft wines that reflected the region’s unique terroir with elegance, precision, and restraint.

The origins of their Pinot Noir program began in earnest in the early 2000s, recognising that the Adelaide Hills’ elevated sites, with their cooler temperatures and diverse soils, were ideal for cultivating Pinot Noir of depth and finesse. Lenswood, in particular, with its rocky brown loams over schist and clay, became the core source for the Pinot Noir fruit. The altitude, ranging from 400 to 500 meters, allows for a long, even ripening season, critical for preserving acidity and developing nuanced flavor.

Shaw + Smith employs meticulous vineyard practices, with hand-picked fruit and minimal intervention in the winery. Fermentation is done using wild yeasts, with around 30% whole bunch inclusion to add complexity and structure. Maturation takes place in French oak barrels, a small portion of which is new, for roughly 9–10 months before bottling.

The wine has garnered critical acclaim both nationally and internationally. It has repeatedly received high praise from James Halliday's Wine Companion, with scores typically ranging from 94 to 97 points. Wine Spectator and Decanter have also spotlighted the Pinot Noir for its purity, elegance, and textural finesse. Vintage after vintage, it continues to earn gold medals at prestigious shows, including the Adelaide Hills Wine Show and the Royal Melbourne Wine Awards.

Shaw + Smith Pinot Noir is not only a reflection of site and season but a testament to the winery’s commitment to excellence. Its growing list of accolades underscores its position as one of Australia’s premier Pinot Noirs.

The 2023 Pinot Noir has already begun to receive critical acclaim. Though newly released, it has garnered 96 points from Halliday Wine Companion, praised for its "elegant structure, persistent length, and crystalline purity." It was also recently awarded a gold medal at the 2025 Royal Melbourne Wine Awards, confirming its place among Australia’s finest new-wave Pinots.

Shaw + Smith’s 2023 Pinot Noir is not just a product of technical expertise but of vision—of a winery consistently raising the bar for Australian cool-climate wines.