2026 Shaw + Smith Sauvignon Blanc

95 pts
A benchmark Adelaide Hills Sauv Blanc from a very long growing season,, showing exactly why Shaw + Smith still lead the pack.

Price:
Sale price$30.00
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In stock, ready to ship
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Description

For thirty-seven vintages, the team at Shaw + Smith has set the standard for modern Australian Sauvignon Blanc. This is the wine that, in many ways, put the Adelaide Hills on the map.

Fruit is sourced entirely from their certified organic estate plots in Balhannah and Lenswood, rooted in loam over clay, ironstone, and quartzite. A wet spring delayed the 2026 season, but a mild summer gave the bunches extended hang time, building serious flavour concentration while holding onto crisp natural acidity.

The grapes are gently pressed and fermented cool, heavily guarded against oxygen exposure. There’s zero oak involved - just a short stint resting on yeast lees in stainless steel to build textural weight without muddying the fruit.

The '26 is another spotless release of this much-loved Aussie classic. It’s an absolute benchmark for a reason, built for a bucket of ice and a Friday afternoon.

95 points
"If the 2025 vintage was one of the earliest recorded in the Adelaide Hills, then 2026 was one of the longest. What a contrast. For Sauvignon Blanc, the vintage helps deliver a lovely textural quality and a quiet depth of fruit intensity and concentration. In other words, this is one serious Sauvignon... Seriously good."
- Jeni Port (Wine Pilot)

95 points - "If the 2025 vintage was one of the earliest recorded in the Adelaide Hills, then 2026 was one of the longest. What a contrast. For Sauvignon Blanc, the vintage helps deliver a lovely textural quality and a quiet depth of fruit intensity and concentration. In other words, this is one serious Sauvignon. Lively passionfruit pulp aromas, citrus, green apple, lemongrass and herbals of pea shoot, dill, fennel with grassy elements. A saline crunch and citrus rind zestiness liven up the fruit and background earthy herbals, passionfruit pulp. Closes smooth and dry with a core of bright acidity persisting long. Seriously good." - Jeni Port (Wine Pilot)

94 points - "Pomelo and pineapple jelly crystals. This is a reflection of the known and loved Shaw + Smith style, with restraint, elegance and lifted white floral perfume. Frangipani flowers falling from the tree, lemon cream and self raising flour plumes. Acidity is measured, driving fruit forward in gentle urges and nudges, bringing apple and melon along for the ride. There is some subtle tropical fruit pleasure but mostly it is the purity of lemon citrus that speaks more assuredly. Serve with hot chips and garlic aioli with plenty of friendly banter. Drink now." - Shanteh Wale (Wine Pilot)

91 points - "This is a particularly apple-driven release with lime, lemongrass, steel and gooseberry notes washing throughout. It’s aromatic, it’s fresh, it’s racy and it has enough intensity to the flavour to keep everyone happy. It also feels dry. Acidity is a little dangly/jangly but then, it’s early July 2026 and the grapes were only picked a few months ago." - Campbell Mattinson (The Wine Front)


The cool, late season allowed for a long, leisurely hang time, resulting in concentrated flavours of pink grapefruit, citrus zest and orchard fruits. The palate is full flavoured, yet resolved. Balanced by refreshing acidity and a clean, crisp finish.
Season
A wetter than average spring delayed flowering, setting the season on a later course. A mild summer encouraged healthy vine growth, even bunch development and low disease pressure. These cool conditions allowed for slow, measured ripening, resulting in pristine fruit with impressive balance, freshness and natural acidity.
Source
From our estate vineyards at Balhannah and Lenswood, grown on loams over clay with ironstone and quartzite. These vineyards are certified organic, and we work closely with our growers to help them grow great grapes sustainably.
Vinification
Carefully pressed grapes were fermented at cool temperatures, and protected from oxygen throughout. Some time in tank on yeast lees followed, helping to build palate texture and complexity.
Background
2026 is the 37th vintage that Shaw + Smith has made. It has become known as a benchmark for Adelaide Hills, and Australian, Sauvignon Blanc.

Price Bracket $30 or Less
Type White
Body Light Bodied
Variety Sauvignon Blanc
Country Australia
Region Adelaide Hills
Australian State SA
Reviewed By The Wine Front
Wine Pilot
Critic Score 95
Alcohol 12%
Size 750ml
Vintage 2026
Closure Screw Cap

Shaw + Smith

Shaw + Smith is one of the flagbearers of the Adelaide Hills wine region.

Founded by cousins Michael Hill Smith MW and Martin Shaw, together over 30+ years they have built a brilliant brand based around refined but energetic cool climate expressions of Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

The wines all now comfortably rank amongst the best examples of their respective varieties in the country. The constant pursuit of excellence has seen Shaw + Smith stand out from the pack.

With the formidable talents of winemaker Adam Wadewitz at the helm, this iconic producer has never been in better form.

Michael Hill Smith MW and Martin Shaw - Adelaide Hills, SA Shaw + Smith

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