Shaw + Smith’s 2024 red wine from Adelaide Hills is a fine example of modern Australian winemaking, showcasing both the terroir’s elegance and the producer’s savoir-faire. While Shaw + Smith are celebrated for their Sauvignon Blanc, their reds – primarily Pinot Noir and Shiraz – have garnered attention for their finesse and crystal-clear expression. The 2024 vintage is a testament to the region’s relatively cool climate, resulting in reds that are vibrant and refreshing, with nuanced aromas and a balanced structure. You can expect youthful notes of fresh red berry fruit, hints of spice, and subtle floral undertones deeply influenced by the cool growing season and careful, gentle vinification techniques. Depending on the grape variety, the wine typically undergoes both stainless steel fermentation to preserve purity of fruit and a judicious use of French oak for enhanced complexity.
Adelaide Hills is one of Australia’s most exciting and distinctive wine regions. The area’s elevated vineyards, sitting between 400 and 700 metres above sea level, enjoy a cool to moderate climate with ample rainfall and breezy nights – ideal for retaining natural acidity and finesse in the wines. The soils are varied, ranging from sandy loams to clay with underlying shale, providing excellent drainage and a mineral edge. The region has a brief but compelling winemaking history, emerging in the late 20th century as a benchmark for cool-climate wines that combine ripe fruit expression with restraint.
For food pairings, this style of Adelaide Hills red shines with grilled lamb cutlets, rosemary and garlic-infused roast chicken or duck, and herbed sausages. Local pairings might include spiced kangaroo fillet or mushroom and thyme tart, drawing out the wine’s herbal and savoury facets. Lighter reds like Pinot Noir also work beautifully with salmon and lentil dishes.
For serving, chill the bottle slightly to 14-16°C to enhance its vibrant fruit and freshness. Decanting for around 30 minutes can help open up youthful aromas and texture. The 2024 vintage can be enjoyed young for its lively character but will also reward a few years in the cellar if you enjoy evolving complexity.
