The Shaw + Smith winery was built in 2000, providing the ability to whole-bunch press chilled grapes for the first time, and underpinning the evolution of style from that first M3 Chardonnay vintage in 2000 through to the present day. The most significant event since then came in 2012 with the purchase of the Lenswood vineyard. Chardonnay was originally planted in Lenswood for sparkling wine production but it now fulfils its potential for fine still wine, with finesse, flavour, and great natural acidity.

Toast and oyster shell on the nose with all the salinity and poise of great Chablis. Yet there is much more substance on the palate, not too dissimilar to the likes of Pouilly-Fuissé, in fact. Would be a great challenge to identify this blind! Really terroir-driven.