Penfolds Max’s Shiraz

A wine deep in character, full and round, Samsara was made of Syrah grapes and lightly filtered after ageing slowly in barrels for 12 to 16 months.

Delicate notes of black-current fruit intermingle with floral hints of violets and a sprinkling of white pepper. The tannins are soft and supple, adding a slightly earthy texture to the wine.

St Henri is a time-honoured and alternative expression of shiraz, and an intriguing counterpoint to Grange. It is unusual amongst high quality Australian red wines as it does not rely on any new oak. Released for the first time by Penfolds in the early 1950s (first commercial vintage 1957), it gained a new lease of life in the 1990s as its quality and distinctive style became better understood. Proudly, a wine style that hasn’t succumbed to the dictates of fashion or commerce. St Henri is rich and plush when young, gaining soft, earthy, mocha-like characters with age. It is matured in an assortment of old large vats that allow the wine to develop, imparting minimal, if any oak character. Although a small proportion of cabernet may sneak into the blend, the focal point for St Henri remains shiraz.

A Fireside Favourite - This rich, warming red pairs with cosy evenings alongside the fire. Spicy, ripe plum flavours, easygoing tannins and a creamy aftertaste makesthis your red wine go-to. Add sparkle to even the most humdrum of pizzas (yes, even Hawaiian!). This Shiraz is also gorgeous with seared ostrich or springbok carpaccio.