Who makes it?

Shaw and Smith M3 is a remarkable Chardonnay.  I have said before that Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith MW are wine trendsetters.  The cousins have long  been one of the “not to miss” destinations of the Adelaide Hills. Of course, it helps that the region is easy touring distance from Adelaide.

Their Shaw + Smith Adelaide Hills portfolio focuses now on five varieties. Those are Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz. Now, they also have single vineyard versions from the Adelaide Hills. 

The cousins are not just putting Adelaide Hills on the map though. They also add their expertise to the Tasmanian wine category with their Tolpuddle Vineyard wines. It goes without saying, their Tolpuddle Chardonnay and Tolpuddle Pinot Noir are outstanding as well. 

To read more about the Tolpuddle vineyard story, please click here to read “Tolpuddle Vineyard – A dinner that led to owning a piece of history!”

How do they make it?

The M3 is the very model of elegance and finesse and makes the balancing act between adding texture and maintaining freshness. This Chardonnay is whole bunch pressed and then it goes into French oak barrels to ferment. It remains in barrel for up to 9 months. It undergoes malolactic fermentation which adds complexity, softness to the acid and some butter and additional cream. 

This wine, under screwcap, is a delicious cellar dweller. It will be youthful drinking still at around 8 years old.  

What does it taste like?

Fuller in body but it still has a fresh acid backbone.  There is a polish to this wine that never fails to impress. The lemon citrus melds with some nectarine stonefruit and some gentle cream and cinnamon spice. 

What to drink it with?

Enjoy the Shaw and Smith M3 Chardonnay with a roast chicken, or turkey. Or with a baked white fish fillet with some buttery flaked almond sauce. 

Cheese

I would drink this wine with a Saint Nectaire. 

Quickie review « This is a Chardonnay that has so much elegance with some soft richness along a fresh acid backbone. »

Country of Origin:  Adelaide Hills, Australia
Tasting Date: January 2026
Price:  UK £ 36 | AU$59
Drink: now – 8+ years 
Needs food: no
Source: tasting

If you like fine Chardonnay wines, why not check out:
Tolpuddle Chardonnay
Pierro Chardonnay
Larry Cherubino Chardonnay

Visit shawandsmith for more.

This was also published on winemusing.substack.