Penfolds Max South Australian Shiraz 2023

Product Description

Penfolds Max's Shiraz is a contemporary South Australian Shiraz created in tribute to Max Schubert, the legendary Penfolds Chief Winemaker who led the winery from 1948 to 1975.

Fruit-driven and generous, this Shiraz brings together bright red fruit, ripe plum and subtle spice, with a creamy richness and soft tannins giving the wine plenty of texture. Fresh cherry, pomegranate and wild strawberry characters add lift, while a hint of cocoa and aromatic spice adds depth.

It's a polished, approachable expression of South Australian Shiraz, made for enjoying now with good food or simply pouring a glass at the end of the day.

Winery Overview
Founded in 1844, Penfolds is one of Australia's most recognised wine producers, with its story beginning at Magill Estate near Adelaide.

Penfolds has a particularly strong connection with Shiraz. The variety was among the first grapes planted at Magill Estate, and it has remained central to the winery's winemaking tradition ever since. Max Schubert played a major role in establishing Penfolds' reputation for Australian red wine and is best known for creating Grange.

The Max's range pays tribute to Schubert's contribution while presenting contemporary wines that are generous, polished and approachable.

Vintage Conditions
The growing season began with winter rainfall close to the long-term average, although July was unusually dry. Spring was warmer than average, providing favourable conditions for budburst and flowering.

Summer was cooler than average, with no extended heat spells, while rainfall was around 20% above the long-term average. The generally mild conditions supported an excellent harvest, with the Shiraz showing strong varietal character.

Winemaking & Maturation
Made from 100% Shiraz, the wine showcases fruit from South Australia.

The wine was matured in American and French oak hogsheads, allowing the oak to add texture and subtle complexity while keeping the fresh fruit character at the forefront.

Tasting Notes
Appearance: Blackberry red with a plum-toned rim.
Aroma: Bright red berries and ripe plum are complemented by exotic aromatic spice, wild strawberry, fresh cream and a subtle hint of cocoa powder.
Palate: Fresh plum, ripe cherry and pomegranate give the palate plenty of bright fruit character. A creamy richness adds weight, while soft, textural tannins provide structure and balance.
Finish: Generous and persistent, with fresh fruit, gentle spice and soft tannins lingering on the palate.

Key Characteristics
100% Shiraz
South Australian Shiraz
Fruit-driven and generous
Red berries, plum and cherry
Hints of pomegranate and wild strawberry
Aromatic spice and subtle cocoa
Soft, textural tannins
Matured in American and French oak hogsheads

Food Pairing Recommendations
The generous fruit and soft tannins make this Shiraz an easy match for rich, savoury dishes. Try it with:

• Grilled steak
  
• Roast lamb
  
• Barbecued meats
  
• Beef burgers
  
• Slow-cooked beef
  
• Sausages
  
• Rich pasta dishes
  
• Roast vegetables
  
• Mature hard cheeses
  
• Serving Suggestion
  

Serve at around 16–18°C. While this is an approachable wine, giving it a little time in the glass can help its fruit and aromatic spice characters open up.

Penfolds lists the current drinking window as now to 2027.

About Penfolds Max's
Max's Shiraz is part of the Penfolds Max's range, named in honour of Max Schubert and his contribution to the winery's history.

Schubert's constant pursuit of excellence helped shape Penfolds' approach to Shiraz and laid the groundwork for the wines that followed. Max's Shiraz takes that heritage into a contemporary style, focusing on bright fruit, generosity and a soft, textured palate.

Penfolds Max's Shiraz is a generous South Australian red with bright plum and berry fruit, aromatic spice and soft tannins, making it an easy bottle to enjoy with a good meal or a relaxed evening pour.

Vintage Note

*Vintage may vary. Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is displayed, however variations can occur.