Name: Penfolds Max's
Brand: Penfolds

✦ Wine Intel

AI Researched

Penfolds Max's Chardonnay 2025 is a cool-climate expression sourced from Adelaide Hills, Margaret River, and Tasmania, aged in French oak barriques. The 2025 vintage is described by Penfolds White Winemaker Kym Schroeter as 'quite possibly the best Max's Chardonnay ever produced,' benefiting from mild temperatures and balanced rainfall for optimal ripening. The Max's range was introduced in 2016 as a tribute to Penfolds' legendary first Chief Winemaker, Max Schubert, creator of Grange.

Penfolds

Founded in 1844, Penfolds is one of Australia's most iconic and respected wineries, driven by generations of visionaries and a merging of science, art, and innovation. The winery sources grapes from premier Australian regions including the Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills, Margaret River, and Tasmania.

Blend

100% Chardonnay

Tasting Profile

The nose opens with white nectarine, fuzzy peach skin, red papaya, slaty flint, white pepper, and orange blossom, framed by nutty French oak spice. The palate is creamy and dense with white peach bellini, juicy lemony citrus, and a salivating, mineral-edged acidity that is effortlessly elegant.

Region

Adelaide Hills is a high-altitude, cool-climate region in South Australia (400–700m elevation) known for producing elegant Chardonnay with crisp acidity, delicate stone fruit, and mineral character. The 2025 vintage across Adelaide Hills, Margaret River, and Tasmania enjoyed favourable, mild conditions with balanced rainfall, resulting in vibrant acidity and excellent fruit structure.

Price Context

Approximately AUD $24–$30 at retail in Australia; USD $20–$25 in the US market.

Food Pairings

🍗 Roast chicken🦞 Lobster or crab🍄 Creamy mushroom pasta🐟 Rich fish such as salmon🧀 Soft brie or camembert

Critic Scores

93/100 Wine Enthusiast89/100 Wine-Searcher (aggregate critic consensus)