2024 Shaw + Smith Lenswood Vineyard Chardonnay

Shaw + Smith’s Lenswood site is essentially the crown jewel of their white wine program. Sitting at 500 metres above sea level, it’s a high-wire act that always delivers a more coiled, nervous energy than the broader M3.

The season was a bit of a battle with low yields, but that’s translated into incredible concentration. You'll find plenty of flint and white peach, backed by a saline, tonic-water edge that keeps things moving. It isn't just about fruit; there’s a savoury ginger-snap character and just enough oak to give it some weight without losing that signature crunch.

This is Chardonnay at its most sophisticated, built for the long haul. A serious step up and easily one of the best whites coming out of the Hills this year.

97 points
"Savoury, serious, vivid and refreshing in the same breath. A tour de force of chardonnay. Brilliant."
- Mike Bennie (Halliday Wine Companion)

96 points
"It tastes of juicy pear, white peach, mineral, cream, tonic water and smoked cedar, though every nuance comes stitched as one. The length on this beauty. The exquisite composure."
- Campbell Mattinson (The Wine Front)