Penfolds : Reserve Bin A Chardonnay 2023

Characteristics and Tasting Tips for the Reserve Bin A Chardonnay 2023 by Penfolds

Tasting

Color
The color is adorned with a straw yellow tint with white gold reflections.

Nose
The bouquet reveals a complex aromatic palette combining lemon and almond croissants. Notes of Fuji apple and nashi pear are accompanied by grapefruit zest, while a subtle complexity adds an extra dimension to the pure regional fruit expression.

Palate
On the palate, this wine captivates with its opulence, offering almond paste flavors and a wet stone minerality. The delicate quince paste is joined by floral rose water notes and hazelnut praline. A saline freshness and a waxy yet elegant texture balance perfectly with grapefruit citrus and well-integrated acidity.

Food and Wine Pairing

This Chardonnay pairs perfectly with white meats such as roast poultry, crustaceans like lobster, and fine seafood. It also pairs excellently with hard cheeses such as Manchego or Parmesan.

Service and Cellaring

This wine can be enjoyed now but will continue to evolve until around 2036. It is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 10 and 12°C.

The Vivacity and Richness of an Australian White Wine

The Estate

Founded in 1844 by Dr. Christopher Rawson Penfold and his wife Mary in South Australia, Penfolds now spans multiple Australian regions including Southern Australia, Western Australia, New South Wales, and Victoria. Owned by Treasury Wine Estates, the estate is managed by an expert technical team, with Peter Gago as Chief Winemaker since 2002. Penfolds is distinguished by its iconic bottlings such as Grange and Bin 707.

The Vineyards

This Reserve Bin A comes exclusively from the vineyards of Adelaide Hills, a region renowned for its cool climatic conditions and high-altitude terroirs. This wine-growing area benefits from a temperate climate that allows slow and gradual grape ripening, promoting the development of complex aromas and preserved natural acidity.

The Vintage

The 2023 vintage was characterized by cooler and wetter-than-average conditions, allowing an extended ripening period favorable to aromatic development. Winter saw near-normal rainfall, but July was dry. Spring was marked by significant rainfall creating logistical challenges and delaying budburst and flowering. Sporadic hail events threatened yield losses. Improving weather during flowering reduced disease pressure, while February heat favored ripening. Lower yields nevertheless resulted in high acidity, remarkable aromatic intensity, and exceptional texture.

Winemaking and Aging

Grapes are hand-harvested and transported in small bins. After whole-cluster pressing, a partial natural fermentation takes place without added yeasts. Each 225-litre French oak barrel constitutes a unique lot. Fermentation and maturation occur on the lees with regular lees stirring for 7 months in French oak barrels, 60% new and 30% one-year-old. A 100% natural malolactic fermentation completes the process.

Grape Variety

100% Chardonnay.