At a glance

Producer

Penfolds

Region

South Australia

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$18-$28 USD

Tasting profile

Bright cassis, black cherry, aromatic mint, subtle vanilla and toast from gentle oak. Youthful, lively fruit and smooth texture.

Evolution: Within 2-4 years, expect more defined savory notes (cedar, tobacco), with integrated tannin and softened oak.

At peak: Peak at 3-6 years post-vintage: vibrant fruit, fine tannin, tertiary flashes just beginning to show.

Structure

Acidity

Medium; supports freshness and moderate aging

Tannins

Moderate to firm; polished, not aggressive

Alcohol

13.5-14.5% ABV (typical for Penfolds Cabernet)

Aging potential

5-7 years from vintage. Will gain complexity but is not built for long-term cellaring.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2024 to 2027

Optimal window

2023 to 2028

Current status

Young; approachable but will improve

Current condition

Structured and primary, with fresh fruit and subtle oak. No sign of decline, will integrate further with short-term cellaring.

Penfolds Max's is a premium but entry-level wine in the Penfolds range, designed for early enjoyment with moderate cellaring possible. Made from quality South Australian fruit but without the extreme concentration or structure to warrant long-term aging (10+ years). Its harmonious balance of fruit, tannin, and acidity offers best drinking between 2024 and 2027-2028; structure may hold beyond this but complexity will plateau after that.

Food pairing

Pairs well with grilled lamb chops, rosemary steak, roast duck, chargrilled vegetables, and mature cheddar. Also suited to hearty casseroles, peppered beef, and dishes with savory herbs.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30-45 minutes) — Gentle aeration helps open youthful tannins and brings forward aromatic complexity typical of young Australian Cabernet.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Penfolds participates in SWA, uses water-efficient irrigation, integrated pest management, and invests in solar energy at some facilities. No chemical-free guarantee and not certified organic. Packaging is mostly standard glass with partial use of lightweight bottles.

Penfolds, as part of Treasury Wine Estates, implements many modern sustainability measures (energy savings, biodiversity, water use efficiency, and reduced landfill), but lacks organic/biodynamic certification and utilizes conventional agriculture for most vineyards. Improvements in eco-packaging and expanded solar are underway, but mass production and global shipping increase the carbon footprint relative to both boutique and certified-organic operations. Sustainability initiatives are developed and transparent, but the scale and traditional farming practices bring the overall rating to moderately above average.