The Reserve Bin Chardonnay is sourced exclusively from the Adelaide Hills, and the 2022 Reserve Bin A Chardonnay was again (as in 2021) the beneficiary of an excellent season. Matured for eight months in French oak (75% new), the wine here is creamy and saturated (drenched) in salted stone fruit flavor. This is another superstar release for this cuvée, and it illustrates the capacity for greatness in the Penfolds whites. The Chardonnays go through 100% malolactic fermentation and are inoculated with the Penfolds yeast isolate, and it is notoriously integrated, even at this early stage. It may seem an odd thing to note here, but I am struck by it every year. Powerhouse. Awesome. It ages prodigiously, stands up beautifully in masked lineups and paints a magnificent picture of the Adelaide Hills. It's salty and palate-staining and has curry leaf, brine, green olive, yellow-fleshed peach (al denté), white flowers, green apple, wet concrete and pine trees after rain. Excellent. Highly recommended. 12.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.
- Erin Larkin (07/2023)
