"This is a beautifully distinguished Yattarna that seamlessly marries its three regions to harmonious effect. It leads out with understated grace, effortlessly rising with exacting line and outstanding persistence. Lemon, white peach and fig are masterfully united with understated French oak, with exacting fruit and acid marriage, ever confident yet never dominating. This is no blockbuster Yattarna, rather an eloquent and refined blend, and it’s all the finer for it. Drink 2020 – 2035" - Tyson Stelzer

"The Tasmania, Henty, Adelaide Hills and Tumbarumba regions all contributed grapes. 35% new French oak for eight months. The first vintage was from the 1995 vintage; we’ve come a long way with Yattarna. It now stands pre-eminent. The grandest wines are often the most surly, and this release is. It will come around in its own good time. It’s a tight, powerful, brooding wine; gravity is its middle name. All the screws have been tightened and re-tightened; you get the feeling the winemaking team kept torque wrenches handy. The days will come and go; this wine will stride on. Grapefruit and toast, flint and fig. A show of spice. Majestic." - Campbell Mattinson, Wine Front

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YATTARNA Bin 144 Chardonnay 2016

OVERVIEW

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 a standard for ultra-fine Australian chardonnay. Selectively sourcing only the very best chardonnay fruit from cool climate regions, coupled with sensitive winemaking, the style continues to evolve. Yattarna reflects Penfolds patience and continued commitment to its original goal, its very name being drawn from Aboriginal language, meaning ‘little by little, gradually’. Each vintage provides the opportunity to further raise the quality bar.

GRAPE VARIETY Chardonnay 

VINEYARD REGION Tasmania, Henty, Adelaide Hills, Tumbarumba

WINE ANALYSIS Alc/Vol: 13.5%, Acidity: 7.1 g/L, pH: 3.14

MATURATION Eight months in French oak barriques (35% new)

VINTAGE CONDITIONS

Tasmania’s Derwent Valley experienced a dry winter followed by significant spring rain. Above average temperatures persisted through the growing season to harvest, encouraging vines to set a balanced crop with healthy canopies. An excellent vintage for both yield and quality in Tasmania. Henty in Victoria enjoyed good winter rainfall, with regular showers in spring. Conditions for the harvest were benign, favouring good yields and optimal ripeness. The Adelaide Hills growing season was mild and dry. Conditions for fruit-set and flowering were favourable and contributed towards above average yields. Cool February conditions ensured ripening was steady and the slightly early start to vintage was a result of a mild and dry growing season. 2016 was a warm, relatively dry and early vintage for Tumbarumba, with harvest commencing 2 to 3 weeks early. Growing conditions were close to ideal, with good winter rains, a warm and clear spring and a rain free harvest.

COLOUR Pale straw with faint lime-green hues 

NOSE Stylish and classy – a lovely purity of expression with native fruits and hints of lemon zest, finger lime  and crushed nasturtium leaf. Such fruits appear to get a ‘free ride’ – courteously propelled by fine, integrated French oak …  a barrel fermentation dividend? Upon a swirl and a little air, subtle notes of crushed honeycomb and camomile arise. Refined and classic. Right now, a touch on the closed side, certainly demanding a decant … and time.

PALATE An initial detection of peach and nectarine from the white stone fruit spectrum but the real feature of the palate  is its poise and perfectly pitched (grippy) acidity. The palate seems to just effortlessly glide linearly, retaining intent and purpose, yet structurally possessive of a velvet sheen that charms and disarms. Supported by ultra fine cedary French oak. All tasted is both succulent and lingering, from the first sip to long  after the last! Not trying too hard; balanced, patient and relaxed. Rationalises the pursuit to source the ‘finest’ Chardonnay f ruits accessible from anywhere in Australia. At any cost.

PEAK DRINKING 2020 – 2035

LAST TASTED July 2018