2025 Penfolds Bin 311 Chardonnay, Various

A strong release for the Bin 311 this year. Pale straw with a faint green edge. It's immediately expressive and enveloping with aromas of white nectarine, peach and pear, with citrus trailing behind. Hints of sweet spice, clotted cream, grapefruit zest and meadow flowers along with liminal glimpses of struck flint and a suggestion of something glutamic ... perhaps parmesan rind. There's a lovely energy on the palate with a slide of almond paste and custard powder joining in. The acidity is fine, minerally and tautly stretched, and the flavours draw out very nicely indeed on the finish. Great drinking.13.0%

96 points Dave Brookes for Halliday Wine Companion  Jun 2026, AUD $55.00

Penfolds has been shaping the story of Australian wine since 1844, earning an unrivalled reputation for producing benchmark wines that combine regional character with meticulous craftsmanship. Bin 311 Chardonnay has become one of the winery's modern success stories, showcasing the purity and elegance that cool climate Australian vineyards can achieve. Rather than relying on a single region, Penfolds selects exceptional fruit from the country's finest Chardonnay sites, creating a wine that consistently overdelivers in both quality and value.

The 2025 vintage brings together carefully chosen parcels from premium cool climate vineyards, with regions such as Tasmania, Tumbarumba and the Adelaide Hills contributing their distinctive strengths. Each parcel is fermented and matured separately before blending, allowing the winemaking team to build complexity while preserving freshness and regional expression. Sensitive use of French oak complements the fruit without dominating it, resulting in a Chardonnay that is vibrant, finely balanced and unmistakably Penfolds.

Pale straw with bright green highlights, the bouquet opens with white peach, ripe nectarine and lemon blossom, followed by grapefruit zest, roasted cashew, flint and a hint of freshly baked brioche. The palate is bright, energetic and beautifully textured, balancing citrus and stone fruit with a fine line of mineral acidity. Subtle notes of oatmeal, preserved lemon and delicate spice add depth, while seamlessly integrated oak supports a long, focused finish that lingers with freshness and precision.

An excellent match for grilled prawns, pan seared scallops, roast chicken with lemon and thyme, creamy seafood pasta or asparagus risotto. Enjoy its youthful vibrancy from release or cellar with confidence for eight to twelve years as greater complexity and texture gradually emerge.