The 2015 Max’s Shiraz! It still has the distinctive bright red, printed plastic wrapper. There’s probably sales numbers at Penfolds that show the effectiveness of this label that catches a casual buyer’s eye. This year the wine was bought at a slightly more expensive price at the local store for $31.40 compared to $29.99 last year. The wine has fruits sourced from all over South Australia: McLaren Vale, Upper Adelaide, Wrattonbully, Barossa Valley, Padthaway, and Langhorne Creek. Matured in 24 months in new (10%), and seasoned (25%) French oak and seasoned American oak (65%). 

How’s the wine itself?

The wine has a youthful, bright, purple red colour. The nose has a strong sense of alcohol initially, this blows off after airing for a while. Revealed is an oaky, sawdust nose with a hint of nutmeg. On the palate there’s chocolate-y dark fruits with dense juicy, berries and plum. To me it seems to taste a bit fuller and has more ripe fruits compared to previous vintages. Soft, powdery tannins wraps the fruits.

I think this wine will do well at it’s target audience and worth a try for the price. A nice bottle to give as a gift or to take to a house party with the pretty packaging and all.