Du Toitskloof Chardonnay

The nose shows poise and precision. Wet stone and minerality, supported by aromas of shortbread and white stone fruit, followed by a very attractive nutty toastiness, gives context to the bouquet. The palate is zesty and lively with crystalline definition and purity. White pears and quince follow, with hints of acacia flower succulence and subtle hints of vanilla and toast. A palate of considerable poise, yet enduring length and structure.

Penfolds Max’s Chardonnay is a tribute to former Chief Winemaker Max Schubert 1948-1975, a legend in Penfolds history. Max’s constant pursuit of excellence paved the way for those who followed in his footsteps and also allowed the status and heritage of Penfolds to grow. Max’s Chardonnay continues the evolution of the Penfolds white wine program, drawing inspiration from the legacy and spirit of the many wine trials of Max Schubert, a Penfolds winemaking legend.

A terroir driven wine, the Cellar Master Series Chardonnay has a medium-plus intensity, owning its youthful and aromatic bouquet of spring blossoms, crunchy yellow apples, dried pineapple, cinnamon, ripe grapefruit, and mandarin zest. A sweeter undertone of almond skin, bay leaf and chamomile ground the fruit, adding a sophisticated, savoury sheen. A sherbet-like intensity follows through on the taste, and this vibrant acidity steers the fruit to the back of your mouth, evoking a salivating mineral quality. Then, with a savoury sheen anchoring itself on the mid-palate, the wine engulfs your palate, weaving a magical balance of sweet, sour, and salty nuances into a mouth-filling experience. As with the aromas, bright citrus takes the lead with whiffs of lemon meringue pie, almonds, and grapefruit pith, balancing creamy and nippy textures built into the wine, finished off with an old-world flintiness.

This Chardonnay has superb and distinctive aromas of citrus and pear with a subtle oak aroma of caramel and roasted almonds. The palate is both rich and refreshing with a combination of lime-citrus and white pear flavours. The wine is classically dry, yet luxuriously silky with superb viscosity and length