Penfolds Max South Australian Shiraz Cabernet 2024

Penfolds Max Shiraz Cabernet brings together two classic Australian red varieties in a polished South Australian blend. Shiraz provides generous fruit and richness, while Cabernet Sauvignon adds structure, freshness and depth.

The wine shows bright blue and red fruit alongside plum, cranberry and subtle savoury characters. Graphite, vanilla, spice and black olive add complexity, while soft, powdery tannins give the palate a smooth, well-defined finish.

Named in honour of Max Schubert, Penfolds' legendary Chief Winemaker, the Max's range reflects his pursuit of excellence and his influence on the winery's winemaking tradition. Introduced in 2016, the range is designed around contemporary, vibrant wines that are approachable when released while retaining plenty of structure and character.

Winery Overview
Founded in 1844, Penfolds is one of Australia's best-known wine producers, with a history closely tied to the development of Australian fine wine.

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

Vintage Conditions
The growing season saw above-average winter rainfall across South Australia's south-eastern growing districts, while McLaren Vale received below-average winter rainfall. Spring was cool, with some isolated frost events, followed by a generally hot summer.

The influence of the Southern Ocean helped moderate temperatures in the growing regions, supporting a quality harvest despite smaller yields.

Winemaking & Maturation
The blend combines 69% Shiraz and 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, with fruit sourced from McLaren Vale, Wrattonbully, Padthaway and Coonawarra.

The wine was matured in American oak, including a combination of one-year-old and new oak, helping add structure and subtle oak character while allowing the fruit to remain at the centre of the wine.

Tasting Notes
Appearance: Plum core with bright strawberry tones around the rim.
Aroma: Blue fruits and cranberry lead the nose, with notes of vanilla, graphite, spice, juniper and pink peppercorn.
Palate: Smooth and textured, with salted plum, fresh berry character, spearmint, lavender and black olive. Fine, powdery tannins provide structure and carry the wine towards a focused finish.
Finish: Long and well-defined, with lingering fruit, savoury and mineral notes.

Key Characteristics

• South Australian Shiraz Cabernet blend
  
• 69% Shiraz, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon
  
• Fruit-driven with generous flavour
  
• Plum, cranberry and blue-fruit character
  
• Subtle spice, graphite and savoury notes
  
• Soft, powdery tannins
  
• Matured in American oak
  

Food Pairing Recommendations
The combination of generous fruit, acidity and structured tannins makes this wine a natural match for hearty dishes. Try it with:

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

Serve at around 16–18°C. Giving the wine some time in the glass before drinking can help its fruit, spice and savoury characters open up.

About Penfolds Max's
The Max's range was introduced in 2016 as a tribute to Max Schubert, one of the most influential figures in Penfolds' history.

The range focuses on contemporary Australian wines that combine generous fruit with structure and balance. The wines are intended to be approachable when released while offering enough character and structure to develop further.

Penfolds Max Shiraz Cabernet is a classic Australian blend with plenty of fruit, structure and character, making it an easy choice for a generous dinner table pour or a relaxed glass at home.