2025 Penfolds Bin 51 Riesling, Eden Valley

Penfolds Bin 51 Riesling from Eden Valley is a beautifully pure, dry white that showcases Penfolds' precision winemaking in one of Australia’s most expressive cool-climate regions. First released in 1999, Bin 51 was created as part of the Penfolds white wine program, intended to celebrate Eden Valley’s natural affinity for world-class Riesling. While Penfolds is often synonymous with big reds like Grange, Bin 51 has carved its own path, delivering age-worthy white wine with grace, tension and focus.

The fruit is sourced from high-altitude vineyards across Eden Valley, including Penfolds’ own blocks and long-term grower sites with deep-rooted vines in lean, rocky soils. The altitude provides cooler night-time temperatures, helping preserve acidity and build aromatic intensity. The hallmark Eden Valley traits citrus, florals, and minerality are given clarity and poise in Bin 51.

The winemaking is led by Penfolds’ Chief Winemaker Peter Gago and his team, who approach Bin 51 with a philosophy of restraint and purity. The fruit is harvested in the cool of the night, gently pressed, and fermented in stainless steel tanks at low temperatures using neutral yeasts. There is no oak used, no malolactic fermentation, and minimal handling, ensuring the wine stays focused on varietal character and site expression.

In the glass, Bin 51 is precise and aromatic. The nose opens with fresh lime, lemon zest, white flowers, and crushed quartz. On the palate, it is taut and finely etched, with layers of citrus, green apple, and hints of bath salts and talc. The finish is long, dry and shimmering with acidity, offering a delicate balance between drive and delicacy. Youthful and racy now, it will evolve over the next 10 to 15 years, developing complexity, toastiness and soft honeyed notes while retaining its core of acidity.

Pair it with freshly shucked oysters, sashimi, Thai green papaya salad, or goats’ cheese with lemon zest and herbs. Its zesty backbone makes it a natural partner for seafood and spice, but it also drinks beautifully on its own.