Purple Palate

Over the years, Shaw and Smith has doggedly pursued varietal distinction and excellence in the Adelaide Hills. They seem finally to have settled on three absolute specialties; Chardonnay, Shiraz, and the endlessly in-demand Sauvignon Blanc. The latter is arguably Australia's leading proponent of the razor-sharp, spotlessly clean, and utterly ripe Sauvignon Blanc style,which might well be said to have put the Adelaide Hills on the wine world's map. Green apple, lemon/lime zest and fractional white melon notes detail the icily crisp palate. The finish is typically clean, mineral and moreish. Those who drink it need little encouraging, as it frequently sells-out Australia-wide. In the challenging, low-yeilding 2011 vintage, one can fairly expect the same. -Ed.