Nothing in this life can be certain except death, taxes, and the quality of M3 Chardonnay.

Or at least that’s how it feels with this blue-chip modern Aussie Chard, which just doesn’t have bad vintages, even in a problematic Adelaide Hills vintage like 2023. This Shaw & Smith M3 Chardonnay 2023 feels just bottled but very correct, all filigreed white stonefruit, banana-y freshly bottled every bit and then a pure, pristine palate with fruit that seems riper than 12.5%, and oak that just cleverly adds extra layers. That’s the kicker – it feels perfectly formed, even if it is too young and banana-y. Acid is very prominent in this vintage, though it is not hard (but proper taut). It’s a masterful Chardonnay and will only get better (you can probably add a point in a year or so).

THE VERDICT

• Best drinking: next year and then for a decade if you want
• Score (out of 20):
• Score (out of 100): 94
• Alcohol %: 12.5
• RRP (in $AUD): 58
• Winery website: https://www.shawandsmith.com/
• Would I buy it?: yes yes