JM 1ST APPROACH

M3 is at the forefront of the ongoing refinement and evolution of Australian Chardonnay. We aim for elegance, restraint, and the capacity to age in bottle. 2012 M3 shows the characters of the cool summer and autumn, with primary fruit notes of nectarine and cumquat, and vivid fresh acidity that provides structure and focus. Youthful and un-evolved at this early stage, it will develop in complexity of the next 5 years.

Stellar vintage in SA. There’s a signature with the M3, namely restraint and finesse; peach, lemon biscuits, sea shell, cashew oak that’s harmoniously integrated. It’s the palate that’s the clincher, gloriously creamy, imbued with peach, nectarine, shards of citrus, lovely coiled acids and framed by seamlessly spicy oak that’s lavish and opulent. There’s concentration plus on the finish but it all feels quite restrained making for one of Australia’s best Chardonnay experiences. It’s an absolute belter." 95+ points Patrick Haddock, Wining Pom, 22 March 2013.

Wine Will Eat Itself 94+ points - "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." March 22, 2012.

Made from 17 year old vines. Wild yeast fermented. Extended time on lees. Partial malo. Shaw and Smith M3 chardonnay has come a long way over the past ten years and is now a far finer example of the variety. This release needs a good sleep in the cellar. It clearly does not lack for power but it’s also desperately muscle-bound for now. Grapefruit and peach essence, flint and funk. Toasty oak. Pear and milk through the finish. Quality is very high here. Had me salivating. Rated : 95+ Points Winefront