2022 Penfolds, Bin 311, Chardonnay, Australia

Tasmania’s winter rainfall was below average. However, a wetter-than-average October resulted in favourable soil-moisture profiles leading to budburst. Spring snow was reported in elevated areas but no frost in the vineyards. Lower spring temperatures and wind during flowering resulted in lower-than-anticipated yields. Warmer summer temperatures prevailed throughout the growing season. 

La Niña affected Tumbarumba with very heavy rain before and after flowering. However, dry conditions followed, and yields were reportedly excellent. Adelaide Hills had a long cool ripening season without any real problems from La Niña. A hailstorm in October caused some crop loss, and cold weather delayed flowering and fruit set by several weeks, but yields were near average. 

Generally, mild summer and autumn weather resulted in a long growing season. Aged for eight months in French oak barriques 34% new). TA 6.5 g/l, pH 3.09.

Extremely restrained and chewy. Quite a bit of oak influence on the nose. Australian austerity means it’s clean and lifted but not that much fun on the palate. Light smokiness – I don’t suppose any of these ingredients have seen much oxygen!

Drink 2024 - 2028

This 2022 Chardonnay Bin 311, made with a blend of fruit from Tasmania, Tumbarumba and Adelaide Hills, delivers a poised expression with layers of nectarine, grapefruit and tangy tropical fruits with a gentle touch of oak. Gentle power follows as pithy flavours unfold over a restrained chalky finish. A couple of years of bottle age will help this fill out more.

Drink 2025 - 2028

The 2022 Bin 311 Chardonnay hails from three regions: Tasmania 38%), Tumbarumba 33%) and the Adelaide Hills 29%). It matured in French oak for eight months 34% new). Crushed salted nuts, white peach, nectarine layers, and green apples populate the palate. 

It’s svelte, polished and classy to a tee. It has the Penfolds phenolic stamp of seamlessness without being glossy or overdone. Lovely wine. Pleasure here! It was a lovely season in all three regions. 12.5% alcohol, sealed under a screw cap.

Drink 2023 - 2032

A third each of Tasmania, Adelaide Hills and Tumbarumba fruit, ‘Baby Yattarna’ is a belter this vintage, benefiting from a significant portion of wine originally destined for Yattarna and Reserve Bin A. 

The generosity of the latter’s ripe nectarine and pistachio croissant richness grabs you first, but then cleansing acidity, oyster shell tang and bright lemon balm, grapefruit peel and lime juice perkiness take over, meaning your initial impression of opulence ends up as graceful and restrained. 

The eight months in French barrique 34% new) delivers roundness and mouthfeel more than toasty spice, and the pure fruit flavours linger long—a great buy this vintage, for drinking now or to cellar.

Drink 2023 - 2033