Penfolds Bin 311 Chardonnay 2023

Penfolds Bin 311 Chardonnay, Australia, 2023

Grape: 100% Chardonnay, barrel fermented, 8 months French oak ageing (21% new)

Producer Tasting Note:

Aroma: A gentle swirl reveals a nose that is both refined and complex. Delicate scents of talcum powder, followed by the refreshing mineral/floral notes of bath salts. Hints of candle wax and fresh linen emerge, while beeswax adds a subtle richness. The nutty sweetness of pistachio nougat is interlaced with the aroma of honeysuckle florals, providing depth and intrigue. Notes of raw cashew bring an earthy dimension that is balanced by the zesty spice of white peppercorns. Rounding out the aromatics are layers of preserved lemon and lemon rind, which lend a citrus sharpness, as well as the soft sweetness of friands and Madeleine sponge cakes piped with tangy curd.

Palate: Upon tasting, this vintage reveals a palate that mirrors its aromatic intricacy. Leading with the intense clarity of preserved lemon, it unfolds to reveal succulent nectarine and zesty pink grapefruit flavours that are tightly coiled for longevity. White macadamia and almond meal provide a nutty undertone, while toasted candle  nuts contribute to the wine’s layered/silky texture. A refreshing burst of citrus sorbet or sherbet enlivens the palate further, with mandarin peel adds breadth to the citrus spectrum. The texture nods to a creamy panna cotta or velvety buttermilk – rich yet perfectly balanced against the taut structure.

Critics' Tasting Notes:

‘Baby Yattarna’, a wine that used to be from a single region but is now a blend. 46% Tasmania, 29% Adelaide Hills, 20% Tumbarumba and the rest from Henty. Barrel fermentation and maturation in new and seasoned oak. 100% malo, like all these Penfolds Chardonnays (because they are not filtered, this minimises the risk of a malolactic conversion in bottle).
Pale straw. Very malo-milky nose with good acidity. Sufficient fruit, and a little note of the flavour and texture of citrus peel on the end. A little short. Drink 2025-2030

16.5/20 points, Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com, July 2024

“61/26/13% Tasmania/Tumbarumba/Adelaide Hills; eight months in 21% new French oak. A nicely composed, multi-regional chardonnay release. Plenty of concentration – no doubt the lower-yielding Tasmanian component playing its part. Peach and fleshy nectarine with dabs of oatmeal, soft spice, gentle oak, nougat and white flowers. Clotted cream, grilled nuts and grapefruit pith aspects come through on the palate, finishing long and true.”

95/100 points, James Halliday’s Wine Companion

“Light to mid yellow hue; smoky reduction and nutty aromas, palate medium bodied and rich, with big flavour for its size and a lot of secondary complexities from oak and lees. A fuller flavoured Bin 311. Smart chardonnay indeed. Already showing well. (Tasmania, Tumbarumba, Henty & Adelaide Hills)”

92/100 points, Huon Hooke, The Real Review, July 2024

Food Match: Pair with fresh fish, creamy pasta and Asian dishes (including Indian Channa Dal or shellfish Thai red curry)