2021 Chardonnay Reserve Bin 21A

The 2021 Penfolds Reserve Bin A is made from 100% Adelaide Hills fruit and is a tight, brooding wine built for the long haul. It opens up very slowly in the glass, only hinting at what is to come with concentrated and tightly wound fruit in the melon and mineral spectrum beautifully intertwined with high quality French oak, 50% of which is new. Outstanding precision and focus on the palate follow while retaining finesse - pithy grapefruit and floral flavours are supported by an attractive phenolic bite, which leads to a very long, although embryonic finish. Fantastic energy and subtlety are hallmarks for this vintage.

- Angus Hughson (07/2022)

The 2021 vintage in the Adelaide Hills was cool in the context of the region, and the 2021 Reserve Bin A Chardonnay is imbued with a delicacy and laciness, bedded down on a base of crushed nuts and exotic spice. There is white peach, green apple, brine, a hint of curry leaf and layers of orchard fruit. The acidity is fine and citrus driven... pithy and subtle. Largely made from Bernard Clones 95 and 96, the wine matured for nine months in 50% new French oak. The vineyard sourcing for this wine is trending closer and closer to the Piccadilly Valley. Clocking in at a minute 12.5% alcohol (on the label, that is, but Peter believes it's more like 12.3% or 12.4%), the wine has volume and generosity, without weight or density. It billows in the mouth but is inordinately restrained, sophisticated and polished. A brilliant wine that showcases the excellent vintage.

- Erin Larkin (07/2022)