Penfolds Bin 311 Chardonnay

OVERVIEW Bin 311 Chardonnay is sourced to style from a single, cool-climate (and some would say risky, marginal) region.
In 2015, fruit sourcing has again come from Tumbarumba one of Australias most exciting, cool-climate,
high-altitude, viticultural districts. Penfolds has worked with Chardonnay from Tumbarumba since the early
1990s. The Bin 311 style typically exhibits a mineral acid backbone, complemented by barrel fermentation and
maturation in seasoned oak. Minimal filtration is employed, preserving elegant fruit flavours.
GRAPE VARIETY Chardonnay
VINEYARD REGION Tumbarumba
WINE ANALYSIS Alc/Vol: 13.5%, Acidity: 6.5 g/L, pH: 3.29
MATURATION Nine months in seasoned French oak
VINTAGE
CONDITIONS
Frost risk was greatly reduced in Tumbarumba due to warmer than average minimum temperatures
for spring. Rainfall during winter and spring was minimal, reducing canopy growth. Above average summer
rainfall (January was double the long-term average) increased the potential for Botrytis. However, careful
vineyard management reduced disease risk. Temperatures through January/February were below average
allowing the grapes to develop slowly, ensuring full flavour ripeness and retention
of natural acidity.
COLOUR Pale straw with green hues
NOSE Citrus notes, compliments of Tumbarumba. Also appealingly apparent - apple, nashi pear, grated cucumber
salad, snow pea and just the faintest floral undertone.
A captivating sea-spray lightness ethereally hovers above this wine airy, wispy, seductive.
Whilst oak doesnt intrude, complexing hybrid scents of wet oats and crushed biscuit no doubt arise from
associated yeast lees batonnage in Bin 311s compliant and well-seasoned French-oak barriques.
PALATE Fresh nectarine and white stone fruit flavours prevail amid traces of (calimyrna?) fig.
Hints of almond meal, unsalted cashew/brazil nut… with a beguiling creaminess and Chardonnay waxiness
texturally enlivening mouthfeel.
Palate closure stylishly activated via a defined line of slate-like/mineral acid.
PEAK DRINKING Now 2023
LAST TASTED June 2016

Region Description

(shar dohn nay)—This noble grape’s reputation was established in France, particularly in the Burgundy region, and the highly prized Chardonnay wines from Chablis, Mâcon, Mersault, and Pouilly-Fuissé are imitated by winemakers around the world. Generally an oaked wine (whether from expensive oak barrels or a quick soak in oak chips), its fruity aromas and flavors range from apple in the cooler regions to tropical fruits such a pineapple in the warmer regions. It can also display subtle earthy aromas, such as mushroom or minerals. It has a medium to high acidity and is generally full-bodied. Classical Chardonnay wines are dry. Chardonnay is also an important grape in the Champagne district where it's picked before fully ripe and while it still has high acid and understated fruit flavors—the perfect combination for champagne. California has adopted this grape with a fervor and there are some 200 wineries producing Chardonnay wines in other parts of the United States. Chardonnay has also seen a tremendous planting surge in Australia, and new vineyards are being planted in Italy, Lebanon, New Zealand, Spain, and South Africa.