JM 1ST APPROACH

Using cooler climate fruit, this wine is a modern interpretation of Australian Shiraz. Whilst traditionally associated with warm regions, Shiraz has also proven to be a star performer, when carefully managed, in the cool climate of the Adelaide Hills. Vineyards: 100% Adelaide Hills. The wine was matured for 15 months in new, one and two year old French oak barriques. The Adelaide Hills has now proven it can make truly exciting spicy Shiraz. The key is careful site selection, low yields and restrained use of oak. The blend component from the warmer sub-area of Macclesfield gives structure and richness, whilst Balhannah contributes spiciness and perfume. A vibrant, modern interpretation of Australian Shiraz.

This is the best Shaw and Smith Shiraz since the lauded and loved 2006. That's not to say that 07 and 08 were not on song but this is positively humming a sweet melody of hallelujahs. Its the refinements that appeal to me, each release this Adelaide Hills red just seems to gain in stature, as if like sculpters the winemaking team get more precise as they chisel away to craft more Rodin-like curves. The nose is as seductive as ever showing, plum, black cherry, clove, cinnamon, some raspberry jam and even ironstone. If this was not lively enough the palate is even more bountiful with a superb, glossy mouthfeel showing red and black fruits, white pepper and some baked meats. It's the weight that's mesmerising, joyous mouth-coating tannins and excellent acids prove that this is more than cellar worthy, while intense length and concentration just heighten the whole package. Amazing at the price and certainly a benchmark of the region. Seek this out and increase the worth of your cellar immediately.

I’ve been drinking Shaw + Smith Shiraz since 2006 and I reckon this is the best release I’ve ever tasted. Amazing to see the price remain relatively stable across that period too. Kudos.

Initially, this was so tightly shaped and ferruginous that I thought it might contain a splash of Mataro. I’ll probably never know though. It opens up to reveal boysenberry, cherry and plum characters matched to cool climate pepper and crushed spice with a hint of iodine. Floral aromatics too. The palate tends towards savouriness with suggestions of roast meats on a climactic finish. Suede texture leads into fine, graphite tannin. Complex, layered and beautiful. Wow. 95+ Excellent – Exceptional Wine Will Eat Itself

I’ve always had a soft spot for this wine and have cellared at least 4 of the previous vintages to watch the evolution. 2010 was a happy year for the Hills and surrounds and this wine is testament to the house style that keeps on improving.  First thing I noticed was the colour that is a dark but glossy garnet, aromas of  vital red fruits, redcurrants, black cherry and clove with that peppery Adelaide Hills distinctiveness. There’s a touch of kirsch and a slight lift of violet too. The palate is a seamless combination of red fruit, spice (cinnamon and pepper) and cascading tannin. It’s nicely concentrated with a driving fruit intensity and finishes with clean acid and persistent spice. It’s still finding its feet but this is only going to get better with time. Winingpom

Ben Edwards - James Halliday Wine Companion - Vivid crimson hue; a complex bouquet, with a wealth of red and black fruits, spice and ironstone complexity; the medium to full bodied palate is fleshy, silky, rich and almost hedonistic in its appeal; long, languid and beautifully detailed from start to finish; excellent viticulture and winemaking in total harmony. 96 Points

Well it’s become a bit of a star over the past six or seven years. Had a good year or two – and then, almost to everyone’s surprise, it has kept churning out the hits. I drank a 2005 recently and it was a pretty damn smart drink. Complexity has always been its thing but if this 2010 is anything to go by, it’s adding gravitas to the show.

It’s a bit of a ‘wow’ wine from the first sip but that said, it changed dramatically – and fairly rapidly – as it sat in the glass. It tasted exceptionally reductive and meaty at first – largely in a positive way – with clear smoky, ferrous-like notes. It also seemed uncompromisingly tannic, in a hallelujah kind of a way. With air crushed leaves and black pepper come to the fore, though both the meatiness and the reductiveness remain in the background. Black cherries, raspberries, and boysenberries add a succulent fruitiness. Tannin tames with time though it still ripples and pulls throughout. Terrific length. Savoury to its back teeth – this is not a wine for fruit sluts – and impeccably well balanced. Indeed balance is arguably its key feature. Tip top I’d reckon.95 points Winefront