Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnay 2018
Penfolds has a rich history dating back to 1844 when Dr. Christopher and Mary Penfold arrived in Australia with a vine cutting and a bold vision. They purchased 500 acres of land in South Australia and began producing tonics, brandies, and fortified wines made from grapes and Australian sunshine. Christopher's planting of vines and his philosophies continue to influence Penfolds to this day. Mary Penfold, the unsung chief of Penfolds, played a significant role in the winery's experimentations, growth and winemaking philosophies. Max Schubert became the company's first Chief Winemaker in 1948 and created the long-lasting Penfolds Grange in the 1950s. The tradition of 'bin wines' began in 1959 with Kalimna Bin 28 becoming the first official Penfolds Bin number wine. Penfolds continues to innovate, with the release of the rare 2004 Kalimna Block Cabernet Sauvignon in 2012 and the 170th anniversary celebration in 2014. Today, Penfolds remains one of Australia's most famed and respected winemakers, driven by generations of visionaries and innovators who strive for excellence in winemaking.
The release of Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnay marked a new chapter in the winery's story after 144 winemaking trials. The inaugural 1995 vintage was arguably the most talked-about and early anticipated white wine in Australian history, earning the nickname "White Grange" and reaching the front pages of the country's national newspapers. This elegant style epitomizes the finesse, restraint and character of modern Australian chardonnay. The winery's attention to detail in the winemaking process has resulted in a wine that is both complex and refined. The Yattarna Chardonnay is best enjoyed within a three to 12 year time frame, as the wines benefit from some bottle age.
In 2018 all three regions enjoyed a relatively wet winter and spring, setting the vines up with healthy soil moisture profiles for the ensuing growing season. Tasmania experienced clear and generally warm conditions from January onwards, with no extreme heat spells leading into harvest. The temperature only breached 35°C once in January, resulting in optimal conditions for ripening. Tumbarumba had plentiful rainfall right up to December, when a dry spell set in. In February, temperatures were generally cool allowing for slow, consistent ripening. The Adelaide Hills fruit-set was slightly above average. The region experienced a warm finish to the growing season, however well-developed canopies shielded the fruit from adversity and ensured the berries ripened evenly. Harvest was an orderly affair across the three regions, with chardonnay exhibiting outstanding varietal characteristics with bracing natural acidity
Subtle aromas of flint, limey citrus and hints of white peach. Understated spoils of cool-climate, barrel-fermented chardonnay a hint of cashew and subtle creaminess. On the palate the texture and flavours of white stone fruits and subtle oak lead with zesty acidity.
72% Tasmania (predominantly Central Highlands and Coal River Valley, with a little Derwent Valley), 22% Tumbarumba (for minerality and linearity), 6% Adelaide Hills (for richness); matured eight months in 60% new French oak barriques. An ultra-cool climate blend of Tasmania, Tumbarumba and Adelaide Hills fruit wastes no time in setting the terms of engagement with a wine of infinite class. The flinty/smoky aromas introducing an almost painful intensity on the mercurial palate, a celebration of white-fleshed stone fruits. It has made light work of 8 months in 100% new French oak. Struts its stuff without a care in the world. Drink to: 2033. - James Halliday MW, 99 Points.
The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Chardonnay
Country - Australia
Region - Tasmania, Tumbarumba, Adelaide Hills
Vintage - 2018
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13%