Penfolds Max’s Shiraz 2020

Introduced in 2015, Penfolds Max’s Shiraz is a tribute to former Chief Winemaker Max Schubert, who served in the role from 1948 to 1975, a legend in Penfolds history. Max’s constant pursuit of excellence paved the way for those who followed in his footsteps and allowed the status and heritage of Penfolds to grow.

A contemporary offering of South Australian shiraz, this release provides a fruit-driven wine which is generous in flavour and persistent across the palate.

Grape variety
Shiraz

Vineyard region
South Australia

Wine analysis
Alc/Vol: 14.5% · Acidity: 6.4 g/L · pH: 3.63

Maturation
Matured in French oak (4% new) and American oak (13% new)

Vintage conditions
The South Australian vintage will be remembered for producing a small harvest of very high-quality grapes. The growing season was challenging, with cool conditions for budburst, very windy conditions for flowering and early summer bushfires in the Adelaide Hills. However, the remainder of the summer and following autumn were very dry, with optimal conditions for grapes to ripen. While yields were down, the overall quality of the harvest was exceptional.

Colour
Garnet core, medium red rim

Nose
Very fresh, dark brooding varietal shiraz fruits abound. Blackberries, mulberries and plum define the primary fruit aromatics. Secondary savoury notes of olive and pepper-coated pastrami add plenty of intrigue. There is a subtle ferrous note, suggestive of the iron-rich clay soils upon which many of the vines grow.

Palate
There is a richness, but the fine acidity carries the wine. The palate has a lovely tension and shape, with flavours of mulberries, summer pudding and mascarpone abounding. There is a creamy texture, steadied by prominent but polished tannins. A lovely wine with real weight.

Peak drinking
Now – 2031

Last tasted
July 2022