Bin 311 Tumbarumba Chardonnay

See previous note from August 2022. The epitome of a modern Australian Chardonnay - struck match sulphidic notes with cool climate fruit from choice vineyards In Tumbarumba, Tasmania and the Adelaide Hills. White stone fruit and citrus with mineral characters and low acid. Not for long keeping but delicious right now and for a few years.

Grassy with lemon rind and fresh pomelo. Fun for tonight’s dinner

This is probably the value for money Chardonnay in the Penfolds selection. The 2022 Annual release of Penfolds happened earlier this week including the 100 point 2018 Grange. This wine showed the oak still has some integrating to do. Stone fruit and minerality. Barrel ferment characters, cashew, a slightly creamy texture. Good palate intensity M plus. First of 6. From the classic cool climate regions in Australia for Chardonnay of Tumbarumba, Adelaide Hills and Tasmania.

Cleaning out cellar, last ‘17. Sourced from several regions, pale lemon with aromas of stone and tropical fruits, with spice, floral and citrus. On the palate flavors of green apple, peach & apricot with honeysuckle and citrus zest wrapped in savory toasty biscuit notes. Smooth long finish, well balanced, nice acidity, ending with fruit, yeasty and mineral character. Nice!

Tried twice! Sourced from several regions, pale lemon with aromas of stone and tropical fruits, with spice, floral and citrus. On the palate flavors of green apple, peach & apricot with honeysuckle and citrus zest wrapped in savory toasty biscuit notes. Smooth long finish, well balanced, nice acidity, ending with fruit, yeasty and mineral character. Nice! Tasting Sample!

Pale lemon with aromas of Stone and tropical fruits, some floral spice and citrus. On the palate apple, peach & apricot with citrus zest and toasty oak notes. Smooth long finish, well balanced, nice acidity, ending with fruit, smoky oak and mineral character. Tasting Sample!

Another good example of Penfolds lifting their white wine making programme closer to their established Red Programme. This Chardonnay walks the line between lean and luscious and does it well. Struck match and stone fruit. From the cool climate area of Tumbarumba NSW a proven area for quality Chardonnay. Drink now or cellar for up to 3 years.

Pale lemon in colour. Quite citric on nose and palate. Restrained. Minerality-almost salty - finishes dry. Certainly in the new wave crisp restrained style dialling back the ripe fruit and vanillan Oak. No Dolly Parton here!!

BRONZE.
Props to Penfolds.

More nutty (cashew) than fruit driven on the nose. A delicate light to medium weight palate - some grapefruit notes. A great example of cool climate Chardonnay with fruit from Tumbarumba. Later vintages of Bin 311 now include fruit from other renowned cool climate districts like the Adelaide Hills and Tasmania. A class act. Tasted another bottle 34 weeks later on 12th March 2022 with similar notes. Ripe grapefruit - an excellent Chardonnay. Had my last 2015 on 2nd February 2023 with consistent notes as above.