Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnay 2023
Known as 'The White Grange', Yattarna stands at the pinnacle of Penfolds white winemaking, born from a bold vision to create an exceptional Australian Chardonnay. First released in 1998, it represents the culmination of years of research and innovation, with 144 trial wines laying the foundation for what would become Bin 144. Its name, drawn from an indigenous word meaning ‘little by little, gradually’, speaks to the dedication and pursuit of excellence that defines Penfolds. Only the finest quality Chardonnay fruit Penfolds source in any given vintage will go into the blend.
For the 2023 vintage, fruit was sourced from Tumbarumba, Adelaide Hills and Tasmania. Vibrant, elegant and very complete with superb fruit complexity, texture, and mineral length.
Distinct and elegant, with a youthful purity. A swirl brings an array of aromas. First, the scent of sea spray and the freshness of river stones, alongside earthy notes of hazelnut and chestnut. There is a hint of green watercress and sweet pistachio ice cream, alongside a subtle lift of flint, which provides further intrigue. Notes of biscuit crust and honey ice cream add depth, while a touch of candle wax provides richness.
This Yattarna carries itself with a similarly assured finesse to the distinguished 2021 vintage. It possesses a lively tension, with phenolics on the back palate providing a firm foundation for fruit expression. There is an array of flavours that unfold gracefully: the herbal brightness of lemon myrtle, the tartness of rhubarb, the zesty pop of Moroccan lemon, the sweetness of nashi pear and white fig, all finished with a zest of lime. The acidity is crisp and invigorating, reminiscent of a perfectly ripe apple. This wine captures the attention with its poise and vibrancy.
