2009 Tasting Notes

Koonunga Hill Chardonnay reflects Penfolds' multi-region, multi-vineyard blending policy, which enables winemakers to source the best parcels of fruit to produce consistently high quality wines from each vintage. A light to medium bodied Chardonnay with distinctive primary fruit characters, sustained intensity and a subtle underlay of moderate oak.

Launched in 1993, Penfolds Koonunga Hill Chardonnay mirrors its sister red wines as one of Australia's best value white wines, offering exceptional quality at an affordable price.


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Koonunga Hill Chardonnay was first released in 1991, in response to worldwide demand for a Penfolds white wine. Although market expectations of style might be different for this variety, it would still need to match the Penfolds’ reputation for red winemaking excellence.

Since its very first release, Koonunga Hill Chardonnay has managed to proudly maintain the Penfolds tradition of delivering outstanding wine quality at an affordable price point. In fact, it is now considered by many to be amongst Australia's best value whites.

Over recent vintages, this wine has benefited from the increased focus on white winemaking at Penfolds and the introduction of new wines in upper tiers. Premium fruit is often relegated down into Koonunga Hill Chardonnay, improving its overall elegance and finesse.

This Chardonnay is a well-proportioned wine, with distinctive primary fruit characters and good levels of intensity. Matured for several months in small French oak barriques, it is a richly concentrated wine with plenty of varietal definition and creamy flavours.

  • Chicken shashliks
  • Vietnamese pork belly
  • Country style chicken and vegetable pie

2009 Koonunga Hill Chardonnay

Tyson Stelzer, 1 April 2010, www.clearaboutwine.com.au

Vintage: 2009
Points: 91
Alcohol: 13.5%
Price: $16
Region: South Australia
Tasted: March 2010
Closure: Screw Cap

Good to see a bit of serious Chardonnay action at this price. “Koonunga and Hyland have always benefited from the Chardonnays above them,” Peter Gago rightfully suggests. White peach and lemon fruit with a touch of those bacon fat and spice notes that usually only kick in much higher up the price tree. A touch of texture and minerality add to an air of sophistication here. Give this a whirl in place of Sauvignon Blanc next time you’re throwing a white back and I guarantee you’ll be back for more – there are five Penfolds Chardonnays above it to discover.

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  • Wine Name & Year
  • Show Name & Year
  • Award & Class
  • Penfolds Koonunga Hill Chardonnay 2006
    Riverside International Wine Competition 2007
    GOLD
  • Penfolds Koonunga Hill Chardonnay 2007
    International Wine Challenge 2009
    COMMENDED
  • Penfolds Koonunga Hill Chardonnay 2006
    International Wine Challenge 2007
    COMMENDED
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