About this winery

The success of Penfolds has been driven by the generations of visionaries and innovators. From the beginning in 1844 to today, the merging of science, art and innovation has driven Penfolds to become one of Australia’s most famed and respected winemakers. After the success of early sherries and fortified wines, founders Dr Christopher and Mary Penfold planted their vine cuttings they had carried on their voyage over to Australia. In 1844 the fledging vineyard was officially established as the...

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Product notes

Launched in 1998 with the 1995 vintage, Yattarna is the result of one of the most comprehensive, focused and highly publicised wine development projects ever conducted in Australia. The aspiration and independence of mind across generations of Penfolds winemakers inspired the ambition to create a white wine that would set the standard for ultra-fine Australian chardonnay. Selectively sourcing only the very best chardonnay fruit from cool-climate regions, coupled with clever winemaking, the style continues to evolve. Yattarna reflects Penfolds patience and continued commitment to its original goal, its very name being drawn from local indigenous language, meaning ‘little by little, gradually’. Each vintage provides the opportunity to further raise the quality bar.

Production notes

Tasmania’s growing season rainfall was near the long-term average. Despite a warm summer, there were no extreme temperatures. February showers provided relief and refreshed vine canopies. Cooler pre-harvest conditions ensured excellent acid retention and flavor development. Tumbarumba had a warm, dry vintage, with outstanding grape quality due to careful irrigation and canopy management, though yields were smaller. Wines had bright fruit and excellent acidity. Adelaide Hills had below-average rainfall, but June and August rains ensured good soil moisture for budburst. Summer was hot with two January heatwaves, balanced by cooler spells. The season ended with mild conditions, leading to an excellent vintage for chardonnay with strong varietal character and good natural acidity.

Tasting notes

COLOUR Very pale, vibrant, glistening straw with green hues NOSE An immediate assertion of its cool-climate birthright - mineral, wet-stone flint and bath salts. Radiant fruits concord – notably grapefruit, Meyer lemon and Beurre Bosc pear aromas hold court. These fruits conspire with lees and oak to induce flashes of torched meringue, crème brûlée, roasted hazelnut and tahini. Majestic, yet not too ostentatious. PALATE Confidently powerful and complex, yet still beguiling graced with florals. Layered and textural: • A salivating lattice construct, compliments of graphite phenolics and acidity, dimensionally empowering the wine (and no doubt its longevity). • Oak present yet quietly conceding its supportive role to the same powerful fruits aromatically noted above. Possessing quite a palate ‘presence’ – primarily a tension between power and finesse. An endearing purity, formidable length. Needs time.