Log in / Sign up Penfolds Bin 311 Chardonnay 2021
Penfolds is probably the most extraordinary of the world’s wine brands with an enviable reputation for quality at every price level. The original Penfold was an English doctor who, in 1844, planted grapes at Magill, now a suburb of Adelaide. However, it was not until the late 1940s that Penfolds began to forge a reputation for red wine.
Bin 311 Chardonnay truly reflects the winemakers’ mantra of going where the fruit grows best and where it best suits the style. From the 2017 release of Bin 311, fruit sourcing moved to multi-regional cool-climate regions. In true Bin 311 style, not unlike Yattarna, it exhibits lemon/lime aromas and a mineral acid backbone, complemented by barrel fermentation and maturation in mostly seasoned oak. Minimal filtration is employed, preserving elegant fruit flavours.
A wine living up to its moniker “baby Yattarna”, indeed the similarities are quite striking. Subtle hints of struck match; a distinctive flintiness that is a hallmark of modern Penfolds chardonnays. Cool-climate aromatics abound - white nectarine, grapefruit, light florals (frangipani, apple blossom?), and nashi pears. Fermentation and maturation in quality French oak barriques introduce intriguing spices, toasted almond/nougat, almond croissant, and brioche. French oak plays a crucial role by complementing the fruit, providing texture and barrel ferment characters, but in no way is overtly dominating. An exhilarating synergy.
Citrus flavours to the fore: juicy grapefruit segments dusted in sugar. Lemon zest grated over Lisbon lemon curd. The mid-palate is creamy and very textural. Cashew and nougat lurk in the background. The finish is as taught as a bow, with a zippy, mineral line of acid and a lovely mouthwatering phenolic grip. Fantastic to drink now but promises to develop even greater complexity with further careful maturation.
