Gently toasted almond and subtle pencil shavings give some indication of the 35% new French oak that was used to age the 2016 Chardonnay Yattarna. Ripe peach, pear and melon fruit fills out the medium to full-bodied palate, then really grows in intensity and focus on the long finish. RP
Aromatically reticent upon pouring, the 2021 Yattarna Chardonnay offers pan-fried shallots and cumin seeds, Greek yogurt, saffron, curry leaf and brine. In the mouth, the wine is firm and concentrated; the phenolics hold the fruit to ransom and exude a fierceness that I personally find quite pleasurable, but they may confront some. This has structure and line and is ductile, porous, open weave and spicy, and it's true to form in style and unerringly long through the finish. RP
$1118
Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnay 2017
RP
95
WS
93
JH
99
JS
96
The deepest and most complex expression of chardonnay at Penfolds, this has a dual edge, between white peaches and yellow citrus fruit. The palate is rigidly dry with such precise acidity placement and a very long, sorbet-like edge to the clean, hazelnut-dusted finish. JS
$1118
Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnay 2018 (2022 White Wine of the Year, Halliday Wine Companion Awards)
RP
93₊
JH
99
JS
96
A blend of Tasmania, Tumbarumba and Adelaide Hills fruit, this has an intense, stony and mineral freshness with a flinty edge and a wealth of lemon sherbet, white peaches and crushed stones on the nose. Oak is deeply buried. The palate has such striking and intense depth. It’s layered and long and really asserts itself as the most complex and most powerful chardonnay in this release. The depth and pristine grade of fruit here are impressive. Deep, pithy finish. JS