Penfolds : Bin 311 Chardonnay 2023

Characteristics and Tasting Recommendations for the Bin 311 Chardonnay 2023 by Penfolds

Tasting

Color
The color reveals a straw-yellow hue with bright lemon highlights.

Nose
Refined and complex, the nose unveils aromas of talcum powder and floral mineral salts. These mingle with notes of beeswax, fresh linen and pistachio nougat. The bouquet is enriched by hints of raw cashews, white pepper and candied lemon peel, accompanied by delicate scents of honeysuckle and citrus biscuits.

Palate
On the palate, this wine expresses flavors of candied lemon, nectarine and pink grapefruit. The creamy texture evokes panna cotta and velvety buttermilk, supported by notes of white macadamia nuts and almond meal. Aromas of citrus sorbet and mandarin rinds bring freshness and liveliness, revealing a rich, balanced and taut structure.

Food and Wine Pairings

This Chardonnay pairs perfectly with grilled seafood, noble fish in creamy sauces or poultry with mushrooms. It also pairs well with aged goat cheeses and Asian dishes with delicate flavors.

Serving and Cellaring

Serve ideally between 10 and 12 °C. This wine can be enjoyed now and will continue to evolve until around 2035.

A full-bodied Australian white wine from New South Wales with beautiful aromatic richness

The Estate

Founded in 1844 by Dr. Christopher Penfold and his wife Mary in South Australia, Penfolds has grown over the years to become one of Australia’s leading wine references. Owned by Treasury Wine Estates, the estate is managed by Peter Gago’s team and stands out for its iconic cuvées such as Grange and its innovative multi-regional blends.

The Vineyard

The grapes used in the production of this Bin 311 Chardonnay 2023 come primarily from cool-climate regions of South-Eastern Australia, notably Tasmania, Tumbarumba, Henty and the Adelaide Hills. These high-altitude terroirs benefit from particularly favorable climatic conditions for Chardonnay, offering freshness and aromatic concentration. The Tumbarumba region, situated at altitude, brings a mineral dimension and a natural acidity that characterize the identity of this cuvée.

The Vintage

The 2023 vintage was marked by contrasting conditions across the regions. In Tasmania, a dry winter followed by record October rainfall resulted in low yields but concentrated flavors. The Adelaide Hills experienced a near-average winter, then significant precipitation in October–November delayed budburst. Tumbarumba underwent its third consecutive La Niña with a spring deluge halving yields, followed by a hot and arid summer allowing perfect ripening.

Winemaking and Aging

Aged for eight months in French oak barrels, 21 % of which are new. This approach preserves fruit purity while imparting complexity and structure to the wine.

Grape Variety

100% Chardonnay.