Penfolds Bin 311 Chardonnay Adelaide Hills, Tasmania, 2021 750mL

Penfolds Bin 311 Chardonnay truly reflects the winemakers’ mantra of going where the fruit grows best and where it best suits 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 exhibits lemon/lime aromas and a mineral acid backbone, complemented by barrel fermentation and maturation in French oak.

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 introduces intriguing spices, toasted almond/nougat, almond croissant and brioche.
French oak plays a crucial role by complementing the fruit, provides texture and barrel ferment characters, but in no way is overtly dominating. An exhilarating synergy.