Smallwater Estate Shiraz 2023

Awards and Accolades 

Trophy Winner
Wine Show of WA 2024

Gold Medal
Wine Show of WA 2024

Gold Medal
Winewise 2025

Gold Medal
Great Australian Shiraz Challenge 2025

Tasting Notes 

Colour: Deep crimson with purple-red intensity.

Aromatics: Blackberry, dark plum and ripe cherry, with hints of spice, black pepper, cocoa and subtle savoury oak.

Palate: Full-flavoured and smooth, with dark berry fruit sitting at the centre. Plum, blackberry and cherry are supported by fine spice, gentle oak influence and polished tannins that give the wine shape without making it feel harsh.

Finish: Long, dry and satisfying, with lingering dark fruit, spice and a savoury Shiraz edge.

About the Wine

Smallwater Estate is based in Donnybrook, one of Western Australia’s under-the-radar wine areas for flavour-packed reds. Their 2023 Shiraz shows the strength of the estate’s red wine program, combining generous fruit with balance, polish and enough structure to impress wine show judges.

Shiraz from this part of WA can offer a lovely mix of ripeness and freshness. You get the dark fruit and spice people expect from Shiraz, but without the excessive weight that can make some reds feel tiring. This is rich enough for winter meals, yet polished enough for easy drinking.

Wine Details

Producer: Smallwater Estate
Wine: Shiraz
Vintage: 2023
Region: Donnybrook, Western Australia
Variety: Shiraz
Style: Dry red wine
Body: Medium to full-bodied
Closure: Screw cap

Serving and Cellaring 

Serve: 16 to 18°C

If the bottle has been sitting at warm room temperature, give it 15 minutes in the fridge before serving. This helps keep the fruit bright and the tannins smooth.

Decant: 30 to 60 minutes recommended, especially while young. A little air will open up the dark fruit, spice and savoury notes.

Cellaring: Drinking beautifully now, or cellar for five to eight years if you enjoy a softer, more savoury style with bottle age.

Food Pairing Suggestions 

• Chargrilled steak with pepper sauce
• Roast lamb with rosemary and garlic
• Slow-cooked beef cheek or short ribs
• Barbecue ribs or smoked brisket
• Beef and mushroom pie
• Woodfired pizza with salami, olives or mushrooms
• Aged cheddar, manchego or Comté

FAQ 🧐

Is Smallwater Estate Shiraz 2023 an award-winning wine?
Yes. It won a Trophy and Gold Medal at the 2024 Wine Show of WA, plus Gold Medals at Winewise 2025 and the Great Australian Shiraz Challenge 2025.

Is this Shiraz full-bodied?
It sits in the medium to full-bodied range. It has plenty of flavour and depth, but the polished tannins keep it smooth and approachable.

What does it taste like?
Expect dark plum, blackberry, ripe cherry, spice, subtle pepper and a savoury finish.

Is it sweet?
No. This is a dry red wine. The ripe fruit gives it generosity, but the finish is dry and balanced.

Should I decant it?
Yes, a short decant for 60 minutes is a good idea, it will help the fruit and spice open up.

Can I cellar it?
Yes. It is enjoyable now, but the structure and show success suggest it should continue to drink well over the next several years.