Penfolds Bin 311 Chardonnay 2022

Penfolds has a rich history dating back to 1844 when Dr. Christopher and Mary Penfold arrived in Australia with a vine cutting and a bold vision. They purchased 500 acres of land in South Australia and began producing tonics, brandies, and fortified wines made from grapes and Australian sunshine. Christopher’s planting of vines and his philosophies continue to influence Penfolds to this day. Mary Penfold, the unsung chief of Penfolds, played a significant role in the winery’s experimentations, growth and winemaking philosophies. Max Schubert became the company’s first Chief Winemaker in 1948 and created the long-lasting Penfolds Grange in the 1950s. The tradition of ‘bin wines’ began in 1959 with Kalimna Bin 28 becoming the first official Penfolds Bin number wine. Penfolds continues to innovate, with the release of the rare 2004 Kalimna Block Cabernet Sauvignon in 2012 and the 170th anniversary celebration in 2014. Today, Penfolds remains one of Australia’s most famed and respected winemakers, driven by generations of visionaries and innovators who strive for excellence in winemaking. Penfold’s Bin 311 Chardonnay is a wine that has been vintaged since 2005 and is a true representation of the House Style. The winery takes advantage of the classification system and flow down of high-grade fruit, including material initially earmarked for Yattarna Chardonnay. Although primarily based on Tumbarumba fruit until recent years, the style is not based on terroir, but rather on a high altitude/low latitude cool-climate fruit profile. This wine is a testament to Penfold’s ability to create a consistent, high-quality product year after year. The use of high-grade fruit and the winery’s attention to detail in the winemaking process have resulted in a wine that is both elegant and complex. The Bin 311 Chardonnay is a must-try for any wine enthusiast looking for a great representation of the Penfold’s House Style. Penfolds Bin 311 Chardonnay 2022 is a stunning example of a chardonnay that showcases the perfect balance of modern winemaking techniques and traditional aging methods. The wine was matured for eight months in French oak barriques, with 34% new oak used in the aging process. The vintage conditions brought out the best of Tasmania, Tumbarumba, and the Adelaide Hills, with each region contributing to the final blend’s nuance. The wine pours a pale straw color with lime green hues, making it an exquisite wine to look at. On the nose, Penfolds Bin 311 Chardonnay 2022 is an exhilarating chardonnay, living up to the recently acquired moniker “Baby Yattarna”. The aromas of struck flint and steely minerality are a nod to Tasmania’s inclusion, while the cured lemon and subtle white stone fruit are suggestive of Adelaide Hills. Lime, lemon and wet stone minerality are a reflection of Tumbarumba. Exotic notes of Tahitian lime zest ‘oil’ add to the allure, tempered by a lemon curd/pastry sweetness. On the palate, Penfolds Bin 311 Chardonnay 2022 is elegant, with a lovely cool climate fruit that provides ample palate weight. Honeydew melon, white peach, cashew, and nougat drive the flavor profile, creating a tempting taste sensation. The trademark minerality running through a seam of soft acidity provides a well-balanced structure. The phenolics are grippy and textured, melding seamlessly with fine grained French oak that enhances the wine’s complexity. Penfolds Bin 311 Chardonnay 2022 is drinking beautifully now but will continue to develop its flavor profile for a decade or more for those who prefer a more developed expression of the varietal. It is truly a remarkable wine that punches well above its weight division, perfect for those who want to experience the best of cool-climate chardonnay. Nice bright, laser-sharp Chardonnay with subtle nut and cream notes under a core of lemony fruit, with crystalline acidity. Fine and precise with lovely delicacy and weight. Very expressive. – Jamie Goode, 94 Points The Finer Details Style – White Wine Varietal – Chardonnay Country – Australia Region – Adelaide Hills, SA, & Tasmania Vintage – 2022 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 12.5%