Reserve Bin A Chardonnay Adelaide Hills 2019 Penfolds

Professionele reviews

Robert Parker (93)

Hints of struck match mark the nose of the 2019 Reserve Bin 19A Chardonnay, which comes entirely from the Adelaide Hills. Barrel fermented and matured in 80% new French oak, it's a richer, slightly riper-tasting expression of Chardonnay from Penfolds, with pronounced white-peach aromas and flavors supported by classy notes of pencil shavings and mouthwatering lime-like acidity. Medium-bodied and silky textured, it should drink well for 5-6 years, perhaps more.

Jancis Robinson (17)

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 without 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 conversion (all natural). Acidity 7 g/l, pH 3.18. Aged for eight months in French oak barriques (80% new). Rainfall was well below average during the growing season, although 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 inbetween. In contrast to some warmer regions, Adelaide Hills vines were well placed to see off the summer heat spikes. The growing season finished well, with mild conditions leading into vintage.
Even richer, more leesy nose than Bin 311. Very flattering balance of citrus acidity and mealy ripe fruit. A little bit of heat on the end but clean and extremely well made. Accessible already.