Log in / Sign up Penfolds Cellar Reserve Chardonnay 2023
Penfolds Cellar Reserve wines are alternative, limited-release wines that explore the innovative boundaries of viticulture, vinification and style. The 2023 Penfolds Cellar Reserve Chardonnay is sourced from Tumbarumba.
Powerful fruit, fine acidity, and maturation in old and new French oak barriques deliver a wine of great balance and complexity.
After a cool start to the season, the weather quickly warmed at the beginning of spring. There were no frost events and flowering conditions were ideal, being warm and dry. Apart from some early December rainfall, the summer was dry, and temperatures were mild, with no extreme heat. Chardonnay yields were excellent, and harvest was early and untroubled by disease. Overall, an exceptional growing season.
You can enjoy fish pies, salmon preparations, creamy chicken or pork dishes, and mild buttery curries. Additionally, chicken salads with fruit and nut additions like peach, mango, or macadamia nuts are delightful choices.
Immediately closed but given a swirl and some air this wine opens up beautifully. Lovely purity of fruit but at the same time shows great complexity. Lemony, citrus fruits and grapefruit pith hover over savoury nougat, cashew, and crème Brulee with a light hint of sea spray and gun smoke/flint.
A superb palate, very linear with lemon citrus drive and focus. The French oak is beautifully integrated and barely noticeable. A chalky, mouth-watering, juicy acidity runs right through the palate with a slatey/powdery phenolic grip to finish. A lovely Chardonnay delivering a wonderful length of flavour.
