Wine Article
2017 Penfolds Chardonnay Bin 311
Last edited on 4/9/2021 by LindsayM
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BIN 311 Chardonnay 2017
Bin 311 Chardonnay truly reflects the winemakers’ mantra ‘we always go where the fruit grows best and where it best suits style’. In 2017, the fruit sourcing has moved to cool-climate multi-regional; Adelaide Hills, Tasmania, Tumbarumba. In true Bin 311 style, it exhibits lemon/lime aromas and a mineral acid backbone, complemented by barrel fermentation and maturation in French oak.
Grape Chardonnay
Region Adelaide Hills, Tasmania, Tumbarumba
Alc/Vol: 12.5%, Acidity: 6.4 g/L, pH: 3.17
Eight months in French oak (25% new)
Vintage Conditions
The source regions for Bin 311 Chardonnay all enjoyed plentiful winter rainfall, with several records broken. In Tasmania, good winter rainfall continued well into spring. Tumbarumba in New South Wales was above the long-term average while the Adelaide Hills recorded the highest annual rainfall since 1992. Across all regions, the 2017 season was a return to more average conditions, following the warm, dry and early 2016 vintage. Maximum spring temperatures were low but minimum temperatures were higher than average and there was no frost. In contrast to the high rainfall in winter and spring, the season ended dry and clear. February conditions were unusually cool and dry, and as a result the grapes showed fine acidity and elegance. Harvest was pushed back by the generally cooler conditions, which allowed grapes to slowly develop flavour intensity. A warm and dry March provided a perfect end to the season with strong quality markers across all regions.
Tasting Note
Colour Light straw
Nose Fresh and inviting – complexed by yeast lees-derived nougat and ground pistachio/almond/roasted chestnut. Scents of deconstructed crème brûlée ‘(flamed top and custardy middle), enhanced by ripe white nectarine and peach fruits.
A liberal sprinkle of crushed rock/pebble dust (quartz, limestone?) certainly adds interest.
Palate A very lively palate of freshly sliced cucumber and lime citrus flavours hovering over a soft and succulent acid underpinning.
A tight phenolic grip induces wonderful length and drive to the finish.
A cool climate regional trio – three different chardonnay expressions of texture/acidity/tightness/purity coalesce, propelling combined fruits/flavours.
A ‘new Bin 311’ is revealed. Nice.
Peak drinking Now – 2025
Last tasted July 2018
SCORES
95 Points - Campbell Mattinson
95 Points - James Halliday
93 Points - Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
92 Points - Andrew Caillard MW
91 Points - Tyson Stelzer
91 Points - Anthony Rose, Decanter
90 Points - Huon Hooke
18 - Matthew Jukes
Bin 311 Chardonnay truly reflects the winemakers’ mantra ‘we always go where the fruit grows best and where it best suits style’. In 2017, the fruit sourcing has moved to cool-climate multi-regional; Adelaide Hills, Tasmania, Tumbarumba. In true Bin 311 style, it exhibits lemon/lime aromas and a mineral acid backbone, complemented by barrel fermentation and maturation in French oak.
Grape Chardonnay
Region Adelaide Hills, Tasmania, Tumbarumba
Alc/Vol: 12.5%, Acidity: 6.4 g/L, pH: 3.17
Eight months in French oak (25% new)
Vintage Conditions
The source regions for Bin 311 Chardonnay all enjoyed plentiful winter rainfall, with several records broken. In Tasmania, good winter rainfall continued well into spring. Tumbarumba in New South Wales was above the long-term average while the Adelaide Hills recorded the highest annual rainfall since 1992. Across all regions, the 2017 season was a return to more average conditions, following the warm, dry and early 2016 vintage. Maximum spring temperatures were low but minimum temperatures were higher than average and there was no frost. In contrast to the high rainfall in winter and spring, the season ended dry and clear. February conditions were unusually cool and dry, and as a result the grapes showed fine acidity and elegance. Harvest was pushed back by the generally cooler conditions, which allowed grapes to slowly develop flavour intensity. A warm and dry March provided a perfect end to the season with strong quality markers across all regions.
Tasting Note
Colour Light straw
Nose Fresh and inviting – complexed by yeast lees-derived nougat and ground pistachio/almond/roasted chestnut. Scents of deconstructed crème brûlée ‘(flamed top and custardy middle), enhanced by ripe white nectarine and peach fruits.
A liberal sprinkle of crushed rock/pebble dust (quartz, limestone?) certainly adds interest.
Palate A very lively palate of freshly sliced cucumber and lime citrus flavours hovering over a soft and succulent acid underpinning.
A tight phenolic grip induces wonderful length and drive to the finish.
A cool climate regional trio – three different chardonnay expressions of texture/acidity/tightness/purity coalesce, propelling combined fruits/flavours.
A ‘new Bin 311’ is revealed. Nice.
Peak drinking Now – 2025
Last tasted July 2018
SCORES
95 Points - Campbell Mattinson
95 Points - James Halliday
93 Points - Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
92 Points - Andrew Caillard MW
91 Points - Tyson Stelzer
91 Points - Anthony Rose, Decanter
90 Points - Huon Hooke
18 - Matthew Jukes