Penfolds Max's Shiraz-Cabernet 2020 is a bold and balanced blend that combines the juicy character of shiraz with the elegant structure of cabernet sauvignon. Fermented in steel and aged in American and French oak barrels, it offers intense fruit, smooth tannins, and refreshing acidity. Versatile and expressive.
General features
General Information
Located in South Australia, Penfolds cultivates syrah and cabernet sauvignon in vineyards with diverse soils and microclimates. The warm climate and moderate altitude favor optimal grape ripening, contributing concentrated fruitiness, spices, and freshness to the red wine Penfolds Max's Shiraz-Cabernet 2020.
The fruits ferment in stainless steel. Afterwards, the resulting wine matures for 11 to 18 months in used American oak, new French oak, and the remainder in used hogsheads. This aging process imparts spicy notes, vanilla, and a silky structure without overshadowing the natural fruit.
Penfolds, founded in 1844 and a pioneer of Australian wines, honors the legendary winemaker Max Schubert (1948–1975), creator of the iconic Grange, with the Max’s range. Now led by Peter Gago, the winery maintains its philosophy of multiregional blends, impeccable quality, and varietal balance, delivering wines that are accessible yet retain territorial and innovative identity.
Penfolds Max’s Shiraz-Cabernet 2020 pairs well with grilled red meats, barbecue ribs, hearty stews, cured sausages, sautéed mushrooms, and aged cheeses. Perfect with spiced dishes.
Creators' opinion
Penfolds Max's Shiraz-Cabernet is a dark garnet-colored wine with crimson edges. On the nose, it reveals aromas of plums, blackberries, and raspberries, blended with soft spices (cinnamon, cardamom), vanilla, cedar, and aged leather. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, with soft yet noticeable tannins, balanced acidity, and a long finish with subtle mineral and spicy notes.
The winery
Winery
Penfolds is considered one of the best wineries in Australia and a global benchmark. The origin of the winery dates back to 1844, when a young English doctor, Christopher Rawson Penfold, and his wife Maria emigrated to Australia and acquired a 500-hectare estate, where they began making wine with garnacha. Wines that were initially prescribed to his anemic patients. By 1870, the winery had more than 60 hectares of vineyards, which were used to produce sweet and dry reds as well as whites that were already being marketed.
By the late 19th century, Penfolds was producing one-third of the wine in South Australia, and over time expanded its vineyards through successive acquisitions.
In the mid-20th century, its winemaker Max Schubert applied what he had learned during a trip to Bordeaux, designing a wine with longevity, concentration, and balance never before seen in Australia. Penfolds would become the reference for Australian wine.
In 1995, when Robert Parker praised the winery's wines, Penfolds gained worldwide fame, proving that Australia is capable of producing wines on par with the best in the world. Among the achievements of this winery, it has earned 100 Parker points on several occasions with its red Penfolds Grange.