The Penfolds white wine story dates as far back as 1890 when Penfolds founder Mary Penfold was awarded a trophy in recognition of her pioneering white wines. The chardonnay story however, really took off in the 1980s, when a new chapter of winemaking saw a series of experiments lead to the introduction of Bin 144 Yattarna Chardonnay (named for the 144 winemaking trials required to perfect the Penfolds flagship white wine).
What was arguably the most eagerly anticipated white wine release in Australian history, the first vintage of Yattarna was described by the late Len Evans, as “a revelation” and “a step forward for Australian chardonnay”.
The ‘premium white’ project, which was dubbed the ‘white Grange’ project by the media, provided considerable learnings to the white winemaking team. Not only were new white wines developed, such as Reserve Bin A Chardonnay, but our entire stable of white wines saw an uplift in quality.
Further pursuits of excellence resulted in the first vintage of Bin 311 Chardonnay in 2005. Today, Penfolds Bin 311 Chardonnay sits as a true reflection of the winemakers’ mantra ‘we always go where the fruit grows best, and where it best suits style’.
Penfolds chardonnays exhibit a modern style, showcasing exceptional balance and complexity, all underpinned by our enduring House Style. Our focus on cool-climate, high-altitude expressions has led us to source fruit from regions such as Tasmania, Tumbarumba, and Adelaide Hills. This pursuit of excellence in white wine, inspired by our ambition to create a white wine to rival Grange, culminated in the creation of our flagship Yattarna Chardonnay, which was awarded a perfect 100-point score for its 2021 vintage.
Penfolds chardonnays are stylistically dry. Fruit is sourced from cool-climate, high-altitude areas, allowing for slow-ripening grapes that develop tremendous flavour, retain natural acidity (freshness), and express very fine, perfumed aromatics.
The Penfolds Collection comprises three chardonnay wines: our Flagship Yattarna - a highly decorated white wine that is often referred to as ‘The White Grange’, Reserve Bin A Chardonnay – one of Penfolds most consistently decorated wines; and Bin 311 Chardonnay – a wine that evokes the best of cool-climate chardonnay. We then have Koonunga Hill Chardonnay, an exemplar of the modern Australian style, balanced and poised. And also our Cellar Reserve Chardonnay – an alternative, limited release wine with powerful fruit and fine acidity.
Penfolds Chardonnays are crafted for immediate enjoyment, each released with a tasting note on penfolds.com, indicating its peak drinking window. While some can cellar for up to six years, others, like Yattarna, may age gracefully for up to 15 years. Refer to the specific tasting note for optimal enjoyment. Over time, our Chardonnays develop greater complexity and distinctive bottle-aged characters. Maturation induces intricate reactions, creating new aromas and flavours while the wine’s structure transforms. This evolution enhances the wine's depth and sophistication, rewarding those who appreciate aged whites.
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