Penfolds Reserve Bin A Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2020

Lately, it seems that Penfold’s have taken their foot off the pedal for Bin A, bringing it more in line with a style we might call Yattarna-lite. A single region Chardonnay from the Adelaide Hills. And in all fairness, the Adelaide Hills had a miserable time in 2020 – think bushfires for a start. It is a credit to Penfold’s that they managed to construct such a good wine. Whole bunch pressed. Some juice pressed direct to barrel to ferment with wild yeasts. 100% malo. Eight months in French oak barriques, 86% new, the rest a year old. 

A very pale green/yellow. There is enough to suggest that there is some serious power here, coiled and ready to be unleashed. Top-notch oak still integrating. Peaches, a hint of bacon fat. Fragrant, but it packs power. Good focus and a clean, long finish. With time in the glass, some cashew oak emerged. Should have a good four to six years ahead of it. Undoubtedly a very fine Chardonnay, but not quite what I think of when I think Bin A.