Penfolds Bin 311 Chardonnay 2023

Winery Background and History

Penfolds is one of Australia’s oldest and most revered wineries, established in Adelaide in 1844 by Christopher and Mary Penfold. Now under Treasury Wine Estates, the brand gained international prestige through iconic wines like Grange, all while expanding its portfolio with regionally expressive bottlings. The Bin 311 Chardonnay, introduced in 2005, reflects Penfolds’ commitment to cool-climate expression and quality, leveraging top-tier fruit often judged only just shy of its flagship Yattarna Chardonnay. 

Producer and Wine Maker

This wine is crafted by Penfolds’ winemaking team, following the ethos of sourcing “where the fruit is best” across multiple cool-climate regions. The team blends fruit from areas such as Tasmania, Adelaide Hills, Tumbarumba, and Henty to achieve style consistency and richness in the Chardonnay. Fermentation and maturation occur in French oak via barrel fermentation and lees stirring, imparting texture and complexity. 

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The 2023 blend sources from cool, high-altitude, low-latitude vineyards: roughly 61% Tasmania, 29% Tumbarumba, and 13% Adelaide Hills. These regions provide layers of minerality, acidity, and concentrated aromatics from cooler growing conditions. 

Vinification & Aging Methods

Barrel fermentation is followed by eight months of aging in French oak barriques, with approximately 21% new oak. Lees stirring adds creamy texture and integration of oak and fruit, aligning with Penfolds’ signature style. 

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Pale straw with lemon brightness. 

• Aromas: Talcum powder, mineral floral bath salts, candle wax, fresh linen, beeswax, pistachio nougat, honeysuckle, cashew, white pepper, preserved lemon, lemon rind, and hints of friands and Madeleine sponges. 

• Palate: Intense preserved lemon leading into succulent nectarine, zesty pink grapefruit, white macadamia, almond meal, and toasted nuts. The texture is creamy like panna cotta with a velvety buttermilk feel, enlivened by citrus sorbet and mandarin peel. The structure is taut and balanced. 

Food & Wine Pairing

While Penfolds hasn’t issued formal pairings, the wine’s citrusy intensity and creamy texture suggest pairings with shellfish, roasted chicken, pork with citrus glazes, creamy vegetarian dishes, soft cheeses, and elegant poultry fare.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve chilled at approximately 10 °C (50 °F) in a medium to large white wine glass to accentuate aromatics and texture. No decanting needed—but a gentle swirl will help release layered notes.

Storage and Aging Potential

Peak drinking window spans from now through 2035. The wine’s structure and concentration suggest it will evolve well for over a decade. 

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

100% Chardonnay, blending parcels from the specified cool-climate regions. 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

13% ABV. 

Scores

• James Halliday’s Wine Companion: 95 points—praising composure, concentration, and stylistic charm across its multi-regional blend. 

• Jancis Robinson: 16.5/20—noting creamy texture, nutty complexity, and secondary oak derived nuances. 

• Huon Hooke (The Real Review): 92 points—highlighting smoky reductive notes and a rich, layered palate. 

• Wine Enthusiast: Described it as “polished, toasty, oh-so-Aussie-Chardy” with aromas of ginger, peach, lemon drop, and a buttered toast backdrop.