2023 Maxwell Eocene Ancient Earth Shiraz, McLaren Vale

Maxwell Eocene Ancient Earth Shiraz is one of McLaren Vale’s most site driven and quietly intellectual Shiraz wines, built around soil, time and restraint rather than sheer size. The name Ancient Earth is not marketing fluff. It refers directly to the Eocene era soils that underpin the vineyard, ancient sandy loams layered with ironstone and limestone, formed more than 30 million years ago. These free draining soils naturally limit vigour and give Shiraz fragrance, savoury detail and fine tannin rather than brute force.

Maxwell Wines has always been deeply connected to geology and place. Mark Maxwell was one of the early McLaren Vale producers to champion the idea that soil types mattered as much as climate. The Eocene vineyard sits on the eastern side of the Vale, slightly elevated and influenced by cooling afternoon breezes, allowing Shiraz to ripen slowly while retaining freshness. Yields are low, and the winemaking is deliberately measured, focusing on balance, texture and clarity rather than overt power.

In the glass, Eocene Ancient Earth Shiraz is composed and layered. Dark plum and blackberry sit at the core, but they are quickly joined by savoury notes of dried herbs, graphite, earth and subtle spice. There is a distinctly mineral thread running through the wine, a quiet ironstone note that anchors the fruit and gives it a sense of seriousness. The palate is medium to full bodied, shaped by fine, grainy tannins and fresh acidity, finishing long and savoury rather than sweet or heavy.

This is a Shiraz that rewards attention at the table. It works beautifully with roast lamb, grilled beef, mushrooms, slow cooked vegetables or anything with char and depth. It is approachable with some air when young, but it really comes into its own with a few years in the cellar, where the savoury complexity deepens and the texture becomes even more refined.

Maxwell Eocene Ancient Earth Shiraz shows a thoughtful side of McLaren Vale, where ancient soils, old vines and a steady hand combine to produce a wine of detail, place and quiet confidence.