It is hard to believe it’s been over six years since Adam Wadewitz joined Shaw & Smith. He’s quietly spoken but self assured – exactly the kind of winemaker that you want to run the show at one of the country’s top wineries, based in the Adelaide Hills.

Adam is a winemaker who appreciates all the detail required to make great wines. He gets it, and does not feel the need to put his own personal stamp all over them. He just lets the fruit do the talking and helps it along with smart winemaking. Since Adam has been at Shaw & Smith the wines have definitely taken a turn towards the elegant end of the spectrum with less oak barrel influence, as can be seen in this new release of M3 Chardonnay

It’s powerful but not bold and even exotic – pineapple, citrus fruits with a touch of kaffir lime and white flowers. A bit unusual but in a a good way and then it is also juicy, crisp and refreshing. It’s delicious now but there is also loads of underlying complexity that slowly emerges over a long lunch. Superb.