Penfolds Max's Shiraz/syrah
Australian Shiraz with Penfolds house weight and polish.
The story behind Penfolds Max's
Shiraz is Australia's signature red grape, and the Barossa and McLaren Vale heartlands give it the density and dark fruit that made the style famous. Penfolds built its reputation on multi region blending, pulling fruit from several districts so the wine lands the same each year rather than chasing one vineyard.
Max's sits at the approachable end of that house style: ripe plum and blackberry, a lick of pepper and oak, tannin that holds the middle without gripping. We have poured it for years as the bottle to hand someone who wants a Shiraz with real weight and no fuss. The exact origin of the fruit is not something we can pin down bottle by bottle, so take it as a solid Australian red in the Penfolds manner.
Explore the Penfolds Max's range
Three Max's bottlings, one price, all $19.99. The Shiraz is the one to start with, but the Cabernet and Chardonnay hold their own.
| Expression | Type | Proof / ABV | Tasting notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penfolds Max's Shiraz 750mL | Shiraz | Ripe plum, blackberry, pepper, oak; medium to full body | |
| Penfolds Max's Cabernet Sauvignon 750mL | Cabernet Sauvignon | Cassis and dark cherry, firm tannin, cedar finish | |
| Penfolds Max's Chardonnay 750mL | Chardonnay | Stone fruit, citrus, gentle oak; rounded texture |
Which Penfolds Max's is right for you?
Every Max's bottle we stock is $19.99, which is a fair place to land for a Penfolds red you can open on a Tuesday. The Shiraz at that price gives you dark fruit, pepper and enough structure for grilled meat, and the Cabernet and Chardonnay sit right beside it. Stock moves, so call ahead if you want a case.
Weight and pepper that stand up to steak, lamb and sausages off the coals
Firmer tannin and cassis for anyone who wants structure over fruit
Rounded stone fruit and light oak, easy chilled on its own or with chicken
Penfolds Max's cocktails and pairings
Shiraz wants fat and char. Think lamb, grilled beef, or a hard cheese board.