Log in / Sign up Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnay 2021
Penfolds flagship chardonnay. The 2021 vintage was a welcome return to normal yileds and weather patterns after the two previous vintages were affected by extreme conditions. By selectively sourcing only the finest chardonnay grapes from cool climate regions, Yattarna reflected Penfolds continued commitment to their original goal to forge white wine of exceptional quality. Rightfully so, the Penfolds 2021 Yattarna Chardonnay has become the first ever Penfolds white wine to achieve an exceptional 100 points! The 2021 vintage exudes a citrus restraint with pink grapefruit and lemon curd flavours, supported by textural crème brûlée richness, hazelnut and fresh nougat. Complex, layered and enticing, this wine will comfortably cellar for 20 years. This beautiful chardonnay has a nine month maturation in French oak barriques.
A complex synthesis of aromatics that take some time to fully unfurl, allow time and use a glass of generous proportions. The first impression is a trip to a Parisian fromagerie... very ripe Brie de Meaux with lavosh and cumquat jam. There is a hint of baking spice, no doubt derived from the high-quality French oak maturation. Freshly baked almond croissant notes set the mouth watering. A barrel ferment struck match note is very much evident, practically a signature for Yattarna of the modern era. There is a minerality reminiscent of razorfish or mussel shells, a suggestion of salinity that is very enticing.
What the aromatics promise, the palate delivers. There is a level of complexity evident that places this vintage of Yattarna among the finest ever made. Citrus to the fore, with pink grapefruit leading the charge, ably backed up by lemon curd. Textually very fine indeed, with a crème brûlée like richness/flavour holding court. There are flavours of just-roasted hazelnuts and salted cashews. The finish is very long, the core of fruit goes on and on, braced by beautifully composed acidity.
