Bin 311 Chardonnay truly reflects the winemakers’ mantra ‘we always go where the fruit grows best and where it best suits style’. In 2018, fruit sourcing moved to multi-regional cool-climate regions; Adelaide Hills, Tumbarumba, Tasmania. In true Bin 311 style, it exhibits lemon/lime aromas and a mineral acid backbone, complemented by barrel fermentation and maturation in seasoned oak. Minimal filtration is employed, preserving elegant fruit flavours.
Varietal | Chardonnay |
---|---|
Vintage | 2019 |
Country | Australia |
Region | Multi-Region Blend |
Volume | 750 mL |
Closure | Screw Cap |
Alc/Vol | 13% |
Peak Drinking | Now - 2027 |
Winemaker | The Penfolds Team |
95 points | Tyson Stelzer |
95 points | Erin Larkin |
95 points | Jeni Port |
94 points | Angus Hughson |
94 points | Nick Stock - James Suckling |
93 points | Andrew Caillard MW |
93 points | Ray Jordan |
93 points | Ken Gargett |
91 points | Joe Czerwinski (Robert Parker Wine Advocate) |
18 points | Matthew Jukes |
Elegant. Subtle. Charming. The glass beckons!
A burst of lemon blossom and white spring flowers is followed by lemon pith and other citrus enticement.
Scents of cashew, pistachio-embedded nougat and beeswax remind of the wine’s sojourn in oak, avec yeast lees
accompaniment.
Casts quite a spell!
A persistent citrus line framed by white stone fruit – sliced fresh peach and dare mention – peach bellini. Again, a lovely linearity evident. All balanced by mouthwatering acidity with a subtle, nutty mealiness. A cool-climate mix of three great Chardonnay regional sources – fulfilling all palate flavour and structural expectations.
A wonderful union, an enlightened blend.
Très drinkable!
Home to the oldest vines in the country, and no less than 18 wine growing regions, South Australia accounts for almost 50% of Australia’s wine production. The Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek and Coonawarra are well known for their world class reds, with Adelaide Hills, Clare Valley and Eden Valley praised for their exceptional Chardonnay and Riesling.
Tasmania experienced typically plentiful winter rainfall, however spring began quite dry with September well down on the long-term average. Generally warm spring temperatures were recorded with no significant frost events reported. Summer was very warm and very dry, conditions that prevailed through to harvest. The Adelaide Hills growing season rainfall was below average, however good falls in June and August ensured optimal soil moisture levels for budburst. Cold, wet and windy weather set in during flowering and in contrast to some warmer regions, Adelaide Hills vines were well placed to see off the summer heat spikes with few issues. Tumbarumba had significant heavy rainfalls in November. Conditions were generally hot in summer, with two heatwaves in January mitigated by cooler spells in-between. The growing season finished well, with mild conditions leading into vintage. Chardonnay displayed strong varietal character and retained good natural acidity across the three regions.
Key to the success of Penfolds has been a lineage of visionary winemakers. There have only ever been four Chief Winemakers at the helm of Penfolds – Max Schubert, Don Ditter, John Duval and Peter Gago, each a custodian of a rich winemaking tradition that goes back for more than 170 years.
Our current Penfolds winemaking team has more than 100 years between them as Penfolds winemakers. They are constantly refining and improving their work, whilst honouring the winemaking techniques of their predecessors.