92pts Wine Enthusiast

A dense, broody nose of dark berry fruit, subtle peppery spice and mocha oak influence commence, followed by a tightly packed palate dominated by dusty, powerful tannins. Still young and quite austere, this should unravel and evolve with time. Drink 2026-2040

Tasting Notes

Garnet red with crimson edges. The nose is enticing, rich and exotic. First to emerge, red fruits of plum, raspberry and red currants. Summer berry pudding with coulis and crème anglaise. Deliciously spiced with cinnamon, cardamom and vanilla. On the palate, compote strawberry. Confit duck/duck fat- textural/richness. Mouth coating tannins begin slately and mineral/slightly chewy up front, yet finish velvety/ svelte. The sinewy, chewy and juicy palate provides a lovely line and length. High lifted oak/spice notes. Well-worn leather, wood oven ciabatta crust/ damper. An open weave loose knit palate.

A comforting wine in search of generously flavored food.

About the Wine

Penfolds first Chief Winemaker Max Schubert dared to revolutionise Australian winemaking. Today, we celebrate his bold and passionate spirit with Penfolds Max’s. Each wine is polished and charming in character, expressing varietal cues, alluring fruit and structure.