Wines Adelaide Hills Shaw Smith - Pinot Noir - 2024

Shaw + Smith’s 2024 Pinot Noir from Adelaide Hills is a vibrant expression of the grape, crafted by one of Australia’s most respected wineries. This wine is made exclusively from Pinot Noir, a variety known for its finesse and aromatic complexity. The 2024 vintage benefited from a temperate growing season, allowing for steady ripening and the development of refined flavours. Vinification is typically gentle to preserve the variety’s delicate fruit character, with a careful balance of oak ageing to enhance structure without overpowering the wine’s natural elegance. In the glass, expect fragrant notes of wild berries, cherry, subtle spice, and a hint of earthiness, underpinned by a fine tannic structure and lively acidity.

Adelaide Hills, the wine’s region of origin, is celebrated as one of Australia’s premier cool-climate wine regions. Set at higher elevations east of Adelaide city, this area experiences mild summers and cool nights due to its altitude, which is ideal for slow, even ripening—key to producing Pinot Noir with clarity and vibrancy. Soils here are diverse, ranging from sandy loams to clay, offering excellent drainage and further promoting nuanced flavour development. The viticultural history of Adelaide Hills is relatively recent, gaining significant momentum from the 1980s, but it has rapidly earned a reputation for high-quality, elegant wines, particularly from varieties like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

For food pairing, this Pinot Noir’s freshness and subtlety make it a versatile companion. It will beautifully accompany duck breast with cherry sauce, roast chicken, or mushroom risotto. For regional inspiration, consider grilled lamb chops or spiced kangaroo fillet—dishes that nod to South Australian culinary heritage. Lighter fare such as charcuterie, goat’s cheese tart, or roasted beetroot salad will also allow the wine’s red fruit and floral notes to shine.

To appreciate this Pinot Noir at its best, serve it slightly chilled, ideally between 14-16°C. This temperature will showcase the wine’s aromatic profile and preserve its fresh, lifted fruit while ensuring the tannins remain silky and layered. Decanting for about 30 minutes can help open its bouquet, especially in its youth.