Shaw + Smith Shiraz 2023

The epitome of cool climate Shiraz style: medium bodied, a spicy delight, flows smoothly and leaves a lasting impression. Moves briskly, too, and with focus zeroing in on black cherry, plum and dried cranberry fruits spiced up no end in pepper-berry, black pepper, dark spices, dusty cocoa and herbs that come alive on the tastebuds. The producer was an early promoter of Adelaide Hills Shiraz and gets to the heart of what is so good about the style, keeping oak maturation in the background and allowing the fruit to sing, aided and abetted by a bright acidity and fine knit tannins. Hints of a black olive savouriness add to the excitement factor – which is already running high – and help close this smart, super elegant Shiraz.