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Reserve Bin A Chardonnay has evolved into a wine that is now a distinctive, single-region style in its own right, with a contemporary and expressive Adelaide Hills chardonnay persona. Fruit is hand-picked into small bins and then whole-bunch pressed. A portion of the juice is incrementally filled to barrel directly from the press and allowed to undergo a natural fermentation, sans inoculation. Every new and seasoned French oak barrique is its own unique 225-litre ferment.
Enhanced mouthfeel and complexity is achieved by fermenting and maturing on solids with regular yeast lees stirring. 100% malolactic fermentation (all natural).
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."
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.
“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
“The complete Adelaide Hills package!" "Akin to the highly rated 2017. As good as the 2009……mmm, just maybe. Patience required.”
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The Penfolds Collection
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