2012 Shaw & Smith - Chardonnay M3 Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Made by Michael Hill Smith MW. 100% Chardonnay. Light sandy loam over clay leading through to a slightly heavier sandy loam on the rise. 360-410 m above sea level. 2,777 vines/ha. Pruning: one-wire VSP. Yields 8 tonnes / ha. Whole bunches chilled overnight prior to pressing. Barrel fermentation in new, one-, and two-year-old French barriques. Wild-yeast fermentation plus partial malolactic fermentation for complexity and mouth-feel. Nine months in barrique, with some lees stirring to build complexity. Bottle aged for five months. pH 3.2, TA 6.8 g/l, RS 1,68 g/l. Michael Hill Smith's contribution and a classic Australian cooler climate Chardonnay. Crystalline texture with extremely fresh fruit. Green notes and very refined. So restrained it's almost understated but it’s not painfully slim. A chewy wine with a story to tell and a clear future. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Opening with a well-defined nose of ripe peaches, apricots and pink grapefruit with touches of ginger, cashews, cedar and struck match, the light-bodied 2012 M3 Chardonnay shows a great intensity of stone fruit flavors running along a lively acid line. It finishes long and toasty. Drink it now to 2017+. Imported by Martin Scott Wines, Lake Success, NY; www.martinscottwines.com
Tight but expressive too – the oak is showing nicely, giving that super creaminess without being intrusive. Smooth, polished – but perhaps not quite as striking as previous vintages have been. (RH)
Vivid yellow. A complex, mineral- and spice-accented bouquet displays candied citrus fruits, nectarine and white flowers, with suave lees and honey notes adding depth. Juicy and precise, offering powerful orange zest and white peach flavors plus a late kick of smoky minerals. Closes firm and dry, with excellent focus, lingering spiciness and superb length. This outstanding chardonnay can compete with all of the Aussie big boys without breaking a sweat.