Penfolds Australia Collection Bin 311 Chardonnay 750mL

Tasting Notes

COLOUR Shimmering pale gold with green rim NOSE 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. PALATE Citrus flavours to the fore: juicy grapefruit segments dusted in sugar. Lemon zest grated over Lisbon lemon curd. The mid-palate is creamy and very textural. Cashew and nougat lurk in the background. The finish is as taught as a bow, with a zippy, mineral line of acid and a lovely mouthwatering phenolic grip. Fantastic to drink now but promises to develop even greater complexity with further careful maturation.