PENFOLDS’ BINS BREAK NEW GROUND

Wc31Mar08

YOUR WEEKLY WINE COLUMN for 31 March 2008

wine with david ellis

PENFOLDS’ BINS BREAK NEW GROUND

THE annual release of Penfolds’ Bin range is always much anticipated
by aficionados, and this year’s Bins that have just hit the shelves
are sure to have the faithful lining up for their favourite numbers
for investment purposes or special-occasion dining.

Eight reds and whites from the 2005 to 2008 vintages are amongst those
just-released, including a first-ever single-vineyard Bin from the NSW
Central West, the 2007 Bin 311 Orange Chardonnay.

Made to both reflect the Bin 311 style and the Orange region itself,
this is an exceptional example of cool climate Chardonnay with nice
stone fruit flavours, a touch of nougat and a refreshing acidic
backbone; you’ll find it equally enjoyable alone or with pan-fried
Atlantic salmon and stir-fried Asian greens.

Bin 311 was launched in 2005 using fruit from that vintage, as well as
2006 from Tumbarumba. (And if you are wondering about Penfolds’
numbering system, it originated in the 1950s and ’60s to identify
experimental and ‘reserve’ wines put aside for the exclusive use of
the company’s directors. Now it’s used to identify Penfolds’ finest
and most highly sought-after drops.)

ONE FOR LUNCH: YELLOWGLEN has added a sparkling new wine to its Perle
range, a Pinot Noir/Pinot Meunier Non Vintage Rosé sourced from
premium wine regions that’s richly flavoured with strawberry and plum
in the mouth, has a nice dry finish and is up there with classic
Australian bubblies.

And even though rich it’s not too heavy, so ideal as an aperitif, or
with soft cheeses, sashimi, fresh oysters, or seared tuna; good buying
at $28.99.

BUY OF THE WEEK: DEAKIN Estate’s Dr Phil Spillman has created a
wonderfully quaffable $10 drop with his 2007 Sauvignon Blanc… served
chilled it’s fresh, fruity, soft and zingy kiwifruit, lime and feijoa
(pineapple guava) flavours ideally suit oysters, white fish, asparagus
or goats cheese.

(Need a drink? We’re archived on http://vintnews.com)

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PHOTO CAPTIONS:

BINS for buffs: Penfolds’ annual release of its Bin series is always
much-anticipated.

PEARLER – Yellowglen’s Perle Non Vintage Rosé is ideal with soft
cheeses or seafoods.