Drinking well now, but will improve with time. Peak drinking Now - 2030.

Colour
Very pale gold with lime green hues

Nose
Restrained upon first pour. Induce awakening via a sprightly decant, or vigorous swirl.
Primary white peach and assorted stone fruits give way to tempting scents of fresh crème anglaise/pana cotta.
Oak (just) evident, yet impressively integrated (80% new?!)
Wafts of struck-match prancing above; intense, smoky barrel-ferment notes lurking below.
Complexingly challenging – an abundance of character, yet not saturated; aromatically bedazzling, yet not an assault.

Palate
Adelaide Hills fruit:  soaring and intense white peach fruits and defined natural acidity.
Barrel-ferment:  an interwoven nuttiness (roasted cashew) and pliant tension.
Lees contact: crème brûlée notes, volume and a heightened leesy texture.
The acidity noted above is not a defining feature – more of a softer/gentler acidity playing a supporting role –complimentary to texture.
An expansive palate that grows – propelled by persistent flavours and textural integrity.

98 Points - James Halliday

97 Points - Andrew Caillard MW

95 Points - Nick Stock, jamessuckling.com

19+/20 Points -Matthew Jukes

"The complete Adelaide Hills package!"
"Akin to the highly rated 2017. As good as the 2009……mmm, just maybe. Patience required."

 - Peter Gago, Penfolds Chief Winemaker

Origin: Adelaide Hills, South Australia. 

Maturation: Eight months in French oak barriques (80% new)

Wine Analysis: Alc/Vol: 13%, Acidity: 7.0 g/L, pH: 3.18

Variety: Chardonnay.

Rainfall was well below average during the growing season, however good falls in June and August ensured optimal soil moisture levels for budburst. Cold, wet and windy weather prevailed during flowering, which caused poor fruit-set and a significant reduction in the anticipated crop size. Summer was generally hot, with two heatwaves in January mitigated by cooler spells in-between. In contrast to some warmer regions, Adelaide Hills vines were well placed to see off the summer heat spikes with few issues. The growing season finished well, with mild conditions leading into vintage. Chardonnay grapes displayed strong varietal character and retained good natural acidity.

Reserve Bin A Chardonnay has established a strong following since it was first released in 1994.  The impressive successes at wine shows, both in Australia and the UK, has contributed to the significant worldwide attention to this hallmark Penfolds style. 

The early vintages included some Tumbarumba fruit and since 2003 it has been released entirely under screwcap.  

Reserve Bin A was not made in 1996, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2002 and 2011.