Shaw + Smith Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir 2021

Style: Complex, aromatic, medium-bodied with deceptive power, silky tannins and long-term ageing potential. The 2021 reveals black cherry, darker fruit, underlying aromas to match with great flavour and length.

Season: The growing season for the 2021 vintage was excellent, a pleasure after the traumas of 2020. Abundant winter rains provided plenty of moisture in the soil, resulting in healthy harvests. The summer was mild, with slow ripening that gave the grapes plenty of flavour and intensity.

Origin: Mainly from our Lenswood Vineyard, at an altitude of 455 to 500 metres. East and west facing, the soils are brown silt over clay with broken shale on the ridges. The vineyard was planted in 1999.

Vinification: Harvest and selection by hand. Fermentation with a combination of whole bunches and whole bunches (20%). Fifteen days in contact with the skins. Matured in French oak, mainly in large barrels.

Background: Older vines, the Lenswood Vineyard, sorting tables, small batch open fermenters or simply more understanding of the fickle nature of Pinot Noir. Whatever the reason, we believe our Shaw + Smith Pinot Noir just keeps getting better. Our first release was in 2007.

Serve: Enjoy in a large glass of red wine, with a side of charcuterie. The ideal temperature is 16-18°C.