Shaw + Smith in James Suckling's Top 100 Australian Wines of 2018

JamesSuckling.com is the wine media platform of the eponymous former Wine Spectator Senior Editor and European Bureau Chief. Suckling has engaged Melbourne-based Nick Stock as Senior Editor, giving JamesSuckling.com insight, experience, and expertise in Australian wine that is very rare in global wine publications. That’s good for them, and good for Australian wine.

Given their deep knowledge of Australia, we were thrilled to see four wines from Shaw + Smith feature in their TOP 100 AUSTRALIAN WINES OF 2018. Read on to see what made the cut!  Please note that these wines are very limited and subject to allocations.

For the full list, click here.

2015 Shaw + Smith Balhannah Vineyard Shiraz, 98 points

Ranked 8th. A decadent yet persistently fresh shiraz, showing notes of blackberry tart, hot stones, dried herbs, blueberry cake, quartz, resin and baking spices. The palate is very sophisticated in its delivery of chewy, enveloping tannins, which coat the mouth and remain lithe and velvety at the same time. A driven line of acidity runs throughout plums and cassis, and this finishes long and intense. Minerally and tight, too.

2016 Shaw + Smith Lenswood Vineyard Chardonnay, 96 Points

Ranked 40th. This offers impressive complexity and depth. Really tight-wound and reductive with citrus and peaches abound. The palate has a sleek, composed and linear style and really impressively judged ripeness. There’s a zesty edge to the fruit. Elegant and long.

2016 Shaw + Smith Lenswood Vineyard Pinot Noir, 96 points

Ranked 47th. A lush nose of strawberries, dried red cherries, brambleberries, dried roses, hibiscus and raspberry tea and nuances of earth, citrus, Indian spices and dried herbs. Medium to full body, layers upon layers of spicy red fruit and firm yet velvety tannins. A long, plush finish that remains vibrant and dialed-in. Drink in 2022.

2015 Shaw + Smith Shiraz, 96 points

Ranked 56th. A fresh and deliciously spicy nose showing brambleberries, blackcurrants, dark cherries and dark plums, as well as hints of black peppers, slate, iodine and citrus. Full-bodied with wonderfully structured tannins, seemingly unstoppable acidity and a long, chewy finish, which remains taut and mineral.