2016 Shaw + Smith Shiraz Age Release

Seamless power meets elegant restraint — Shaw + Smith at its absolute peak.

97 points Halliday Wine Companion

Cool-Climate Adelaide Hills Shiraz | Cellar-Aged Elegance & Seamless Power

“A beautifully evolved expression of cool-climate Shiraz — power meets precision in this stunning aged release from one of Australia’s most admired producers.”

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Deep garnet with a vibrant crimson rim — showing perfect maturity with youthful brilliance.
Aroma: A complex bouquet of blackberry, mulberry, and blueberry compote, intertwined with violet, black pepper, graphite, and a whisper of smoky oak.
Palate: Medium to full-bodied and luxuriously smooth. Layers of dark fruit, spice, and subtle savoury notes unfold across a refined tannin structure. The texture is plush yet focused, with exquisite balance between fruit, oak, and tertiary nuance.
Finish: Long, elegant, and persistent — a cool-climate Shiraz of great depth, energy, and harmony, now in its prime.

Critical Acclaim

• 97 Points – Halliday Wine Companion
  “Impeccably composed. Aged gracefully while retaining fruit purity, tension, and freshness. Finesse and structure define this superb Shiraz — a lesson in balance and longevity.”

Vineyard & Winemaking

Sourced from Shaw + Smith’s Balhannah Vineyard in the Adelaide Hills, this single-site Shiraz embodies the elegance and restraint that define the estate’s style.

Hand-harvested fruit was fermented with whole berries, then matured for 14 months in fine French oak (30% new) before extended cellaring at the winery prior to release.
This age release program allows the wine to develop secondary complexity and refined texture, showcasing the beauty of cool-climate Shiraz at perfect maturity.

Region

Adelaide Hills, South Australia — a high-altitude region renowned for aromatic precision, fine tannins, and natural acidity.
The cool nights and long ripening season produce Shiraz with poise, perfume, and balance rarely seen in warmer climates.

Food Pairings

• Chargrilled eye fillet with truffle butter

• Roast duck with blackberry jus

• Slow-braised lamb shoulder

• Aged cheeses such as Comté or Mimolette

• Wild mushroom risotto

Why We Love It

The 2016 Shaw + Smith Shiraz – Aged Release is a masterclass in cool-climate winemaking and patient evolution.
After nearly a decade of careful cellaring, it shows maturity, structure, and refinement while retaining the energy and precision that made it extraordinary on release.

Awarded 97 points by Halliday, this wine stands as one of the finest modern expressions of Australian Shiraz — graceful, textural, and timeless.

This is not just a wine — it’s a statement of craftsmanship, patience, and pedigree.

Graceful. Powerful. Perfectly Mature.
The 2016 Shaw + Smith Shiraz – Aged Release defines cool-climate excellence — an Australian icon at its elegant peak.