Yattarna Chardonnay 2020 Penfolds

Latest Pro-tasting notes

14 tasting notes

96p by James Suckling / BWW2024 Finalist
97p by Ken Gargett
98p by Pekka Nuikki / Editor of the Fine Wine Magazines and Champagne Magazine
96p by Pekka Nuikki / Editor of the Fine Wine Magazines and Champagne Magazine
99p by Markus Del Monego MW / BWW2024 Finalist
95p by Tuula Hällström
97p by Pekka Nuikki / Editor of the Fine Wine Magazines and Champagne Magazine
97p by Pekka Nuikki / Editor of the Fine Wine Magazines and Champagne Magazine

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Written Notes

Yattarna Chardonnay 2020 (A$175) – If their 2020 is this good, then surely we can expect something truly spectacular from the 2021. The team aim for ‘purity and precision’ and they have achieved that in spades here. A majority of the fruit, 68%, is from the White Hills Vineyard near Launceston in Tasmania (which also provides the Pinot Noir for the 2021 Bin 23) with the remaining 32% from the Adelaide Hills. The wine had an eight month spell in French barriques, 86% new and the rest, seasoned one-year-old.

This is stunning stuff, complex and alluring. Notes of melons, stonefruit, grapefruit pith, cashews, fresh toast lathered with lemon butter. Very subtle oak, in the process of integrating. The wine walks the tightrope of power and restraint. Finely balanced with great length. This surely has 10 to 15 years ahead of it, almost certainly more. A really superb Yattarna. Now take a moment to compare the price to that of so many of the Grand, and even Premier, Crus from Burgundy and it is obvious that this is also amazing value. 97.

- Ken Gargett

In the glass, Penfolds Yattarna 2020 showcases a pale, golden straw color, hinting at its freshness and elegance.The nose is a delightful tapestry of aromas. It opens with an inviting bouquet of citrus fruits, including lemon zest and hints of grapefruit. Layers of complexity emerge with notes of green apple, white peach, and a touch of honeydew melon. Subtle hints of toasted almond and vanilla from oak aging add depth and nuance.

On the palate, Penfolds Yattarna 2020 continues to impress with its balance and finesse. It's a medium to full-bodied Chardonnay that offers a harmonious blend of flavors. Crisp apple and citrus notes are complemented by flavors of ripe pear and tropical fruits. The wine's texture is creamy, and there's a subtle mineral streak that adds complexity. The oak influence is well-integrated, providing a touch of spice and a long, satisfying finish.The finish is bright and refreshing, with the wine's vibrant fruit flavors lingering on the palate. It leaves a lasting impression of purity and elegance.

Penfolds Yattarna 2020 is enjoyable in its youth, with its vibrant fruit and refreshing acidity. However, it also has the potential to age gracefully for 10-17 years or more, allowing its flavors to develop further complexity. It's a versatile wine that can be enjoyed on various occasions, pairing well with a range of dishes or as a delightful sip on its own.

- Pekka Nuikki / Editor of the Fine Wine Magazines and Champagne Magazine

The oak is strongly expressed in this blend of Tasmania and Adelaide Hills chardonnay. Aromas of toasted hazelnut, as well as peach, lemon, grapefruit and wet stones abound. There’s nougat and spiced bread here, too. The palate holds an intense core of ripe-peach, grilled-lemon and nectarine fruit flavor delivered in a mouthwateringly intense mode, with flavors of grapefruit, grilled lemon, toasted nuts and a bracingly fresh, unwavering drive of acidity. Drink now.

- James Suckling / BWW2024 Finalist

An excellent wine with bright yellow colour and green hue. The nose displays an aroma reminiscent of flintstone and hints of smoke, refined toasting with hints of chocolate in the background. Complemented by ripe fruit, pear, pineapple and juicy greengage. On the palate well-structured with exciting tension, crisp acidity, elegant character with creamy texture and excellent length. Fine toasting in the finish.

- Markus Del Monego MW / BWW2024 Finalist

Pronounced, complex flint/cordite with underlying citrus notes: grapefruit pith, lemon zest/lemon granita. Toasted brioche, almond biscotti and cashew provide aromatic allure. There is a lovely chariness to the oak, well-integrated into the fruit. Playing a supporting role rather than appearing to be an overtly dominant feature. Subtle hints of briny oyster shell and fresh sea spray reinforce the cool-climate fruit sourcing.

At the core lies bright citrus fruits, with grapefruit and waxy lemon rind leading the way. There is a purity of fruit on the palate, very flavoursome, varietally correct. Mouth-watering acid provides a lingering finish. Creamy phenolics point to the perfect integration of fruit and high-quality French oak. Perhaps a more complex Yattarna upon release than in previous years. There is a wonderful dichotomy between the complexity displayed on the nose and the absolute purity of fruit on the palate. A very complete wine.

- Peter Gago / Penfolds

Pale colour. Sublime grapefruit, white peach, pear, hunt grilled nut aromas with fresh quartz/flinty notes. Beautifully balanced wine with pure grapefruit, white peach flavours, fine al dente textures, hint yeasty / waxy notes, superb mid palate volume and underlying grilled nut, marzipan notes, Finishes chalky and minerally with ample grapefruit notes. All the elements are in perfect balance. A wonderful Yattarna with superb fruit definition, complexity, richness and mineral length. Should last at least 20 years. 100% of the blend is aged for eight months in new (86%) and seasoned one-year-old (14%) oak. Drink now -2042 12.5% alc 99 points

- Andrew Caillard MW / BWW2024 Finalist

Smoke toast and gun flint all waft gorgeously on nose, aromas all which grow. Not much fruit forward, However one can pick out a little fresh nectarine. The palate is fresh long and is very streamlined with fresh lemon acidity. Very balanced oak vanilla cream finishing fresh. Little lemon sherbet on the back palate.

- Dannika Wright / Langtons

Predominantly Tasmania, but nose suggests a warmer vintage and classic oak usage. Loads of nutty, brioche notes, offset but subtle saline, briny mineral tones. The fruit shows more on the palate: Peach, nectarine and apricot, with all incarnations of lemon; curd, juice, pith. Definitely could do with more time, but will evolve beautifully

- Nick Barlow

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