Founded in 1844, Penfolds is one of Australia's most celebrated wineries and a global icon of fine wine. Established by Dr Christopher and Mary Penfold at Magill Estate near Adelaide, the winery has become synonymous with excellence through its uncompromising approach to viticulture, blending and cellaring. While Penfolds is renowned for legendary red wines such as Grange, it has also established an outstanding reputation for premium Chardonnay.

Reserve Bin A Chardonnay was first released in 1994 and has become Penfolds' flagship regional Chardonnay. Since 2003, it has been sourced exclusively from the Adelaide Hills, one of Australia's premier cool-climate regions for Chardonnay. Fruit is hand-harvested, whole-bunch pressed and fermented predominantly in French oak barriques, with maturation for approximately nine months in 40% new French oak. The wine is crafted to combine the power and complexity of Penfolds' house style with the elegance and precision of Adelaide Hills Chardonnay.

Produced from 100% Chardonnay, the 2016 Reserve Bin 16A reflects an excellent Adelaide Hills vintage, characterised by steady ripening conditions and exceptional fruit purity.

The wine is pale straw in colour with an expressive bouquet of preserved lemon, white nectarine, grapefruit, lemon meringue and citrus blossom, complemented by aromas of almond nougat, toasted hazelnut, struck flint and subtle lees-derived complexity. The palate is medium to full-bodied with a creamy, mouth-filling texture balanced by vibrant mineral acidity. Flavours of white peach, grapefruit pith and citrus are layered with refined oak spice and delicate brioche notes. The finish is exceptionally long, focused and saline, reflecting both the cool-climate terroir and meticulous winemaking.

Drinking Window: 2018–2030+. Although Penfolds originally suggested drinking through 2024, well-stored bottles from the outstanding 2016 vintage continue to show remarkable freshness and complexity. The wine is expected to evolve gracefully, developing richer notes of toasted brioche, hazelnut and honey while retaining its vibrant citrus core and mineral precision.

" Towers over Bin 311; a gloriously complex and expressive bouquet with fruit and high-quality French oak both on song. Grapefruit and nectarine flavours are tightly wound together, riding on perfectly pitched acidity. This wine has all the great characters of Grand Cru Chardonnay, but it's very much from South Australia." -- James Halliday