Penfolds Reserve Bin 19A Chardonnay 2019
Reserve Bin A Chardonnay has evolved into a wine that is now a distinctive, single-region style in its own right, with a contemporary and expressive Adelaide Hills chardonnay persona. Fruit is hand-picked into small bins and then whole-bunch pressed. A portion of the juice is incrementally filled to barrel directly from the press and allowed to undergo a natural fermentation, sans inoculation. Every new and seasoned French oak barrique is its own unique 225-litre ferment.
Enhanced mouthfeel and complexity is achieved by fermenting and maturing on solids with regular yeast lees stirring. 100% malolactic fermentation (all natural).
$129.00 each
Additional details
Catalog:
Region:
Cellaring:
Drinking well now, but will improve with time. Peak drinking Now - 2030.
Nose:
Restrained upon first pour. Induce awakening via a sprightly decant, or vigorous swirl. Primary white peach and assorted stone fruits give way to tempting scents of fresh crème anglaise/pana cotta. Oak (just) evident, yet impressively integrated (80% new?!) Wafts of struck-match prancing above; intense, smoky barrel-ferment notes lurking below. Complexingly challenging – an abundance of character, yet not saturated; aromatically bedazzling, yet not an assault.
Palate:
Adelaide Hills fruit: soaring and intense white peach fruits and defined natural acidity. Barrel-ferment: an interwoven nuttiness (roasted cashew) and pliant tension. Lees contact: crème brûlée notes, volume and a heightened leesy texture.
The acidity noted above is not a defining feature – more of a softer/gentler acidity playing a supporting role –complimentary to texture. An expansive palate that grows – propelled by persistent flavours and textural integrity.
Varietal Composition:
Chardonnay
