2012 Penfolds Reserve Bin 12A Chardonnay, Adelaide Hills

A pristine and characterful vintage in the grand lineage of this much-celebrated label, juxtaposing compelling struck flint complexity of wild, high solids fermentation with impeccable fruit of fine-tuned, high-strung focus. French oak (53% new) is seamlessly integrated. A chardonnay of effortless energy, faultless line and crystalline finesse.

98 points James Halliday Wine Companion

Light straw-yellow hue. The nose is very flinty with stony minerality, struck-flint aromas, also chalky, especially in the mouth. Intense and fine, a fairly pared-back style, with quite high acidity and a driving, linear palate that is quite tight and nervy and has an early-picked tension. This is a baby and needs time. 19 FEB 2014 Drink 2015–2024