Penfolds Max South Australian Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

Product Description

Penfolds Max South Australian Cabernet Sauvignon is a contemporary Australian Cabernet that brings together generous dark fruit, classic varietal character and fine tannins.

The wine opens with blackberry and bramble fruit alongside classic Cabernet notes of mulberry leaf and bay leaf. Hints of cocoa, cassia and star anise add spice and depth, while earthy characters and subtle oak bring another layer to the palate.

Rich and structured without losing its freshness, this is a polished South Australian Cabernet with plenty of fruit, savoury character and a lingering finish. It is an easy choice for a hearty dinner, a weekend roast or a relaxed glass at home.

Winery Overview
Founded in 1844, Penfolds is one of Australia's best-known wine producers, with a long history of winemaking in South Australia.

The Max's range pays tribute to Max Schubert, who served as Penfolds Chief Winemaker from 1948 to 1975. His pursuit of excellence and willingness to challenge traditional winemaking helped shape the Penfolds style and legacy.

Introduced in 2016, the Max's range focuses on contemporary wines that combine varietal character, fruit and structure, with a style that is polished and approachable when released.

Vintage Conditions
The South Australian vintage produced a relatively small harvest of high-quality grapes. The growing season began with cool conditions and challenging flowering, followed by a dry summer and autumn that provided favourable conditions for ripening.

Despite lower yields, the grapes achieved good quality and concentration, resulting in a Cabernet with plenty of fruit character and structure.

Winemaking & Maturation
Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine is sourced from South Australian vineyards.

It is matured in a combination of American and French oak, including new oak, with the balance in seasoned barrels. The oak adds texture, spice and subtle savoury character while allowing the Cabernet fruit to remain prominent.

Tasting Notes
Appearance: Bright cherry red.
Aroma: Classic Cabernet aromas of mulberry leaf and bay leaf, with blackberry and bramble fruit. Dusty cocoa, cassia and star anise add warmth and spice.
Palate: Vibrant and fruit-driven, with rhubarb freshness alongside dark fruit, earthy notes, fresh mint and summer pudding. Hints of cashew and walnut from the oak add texture, supported by fine, delicate tannins.
Finish: Long and savoury, with dark fruit, spice, earthy notes and fine tannins carrying through.

Key Characteristics

• 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
  
• South Australian red wine
  
• Rich dark and berry fruit character
  
• Blackberry and bramble notes
  
• Mulberry leaf and bay leaf
  
• Cocoa and subtle spice
  
• Fine, delicate tannins
  
• Matured in American and French oak
  

Food Pairing Recommendations

The wine's fruit, structure and savoury character make it a natural match for richer dishes. Try it with:

• Grilled steak
  
• Roast beef
  
• Lamb
  
• Slow-cooked beef
  
• Barbecue meats
  
• Beef burgers
  
• Mushroom dishes
  
• Rich pasta
  
• Hard cheeses
  
• Serving Suggestion
  

Serve at around 16–18°C. For the best expression of its fruit and savoury character, give the wine a little time in the glass before drinking.

About Penfolds Max's

Max's was created as a tribute to Max Schubert, Penfolds' influential former Chief Winemaker. The range reflects his pursuit of quality while taking a contemporary approach to Australian varietal wines.

Penfolds describes the Max's wines as polished, vibrant and approachable on release, while retaining the fruit and structure to develop further.

Penfolds Max South Australian Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich, polished Australian Cabernet with dark fruit, classic varietal character, subtle spice and fine tannins, making it a versatile bottle for hearty meals or a relaxed evening pour.

Vintage Note

*Vintage may vary. Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is displayed, however variations can occur.