Product Description
Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnay 2021 1.5L is a testament to the winery’s dedication to producing the finest Australian Chardonnay. Launched in 1998, Yattarna was the culmination of one of the most comprehensive and celebrated winemaking projects in Australia. Drawing on generations of Penfolds winemakers’ expertise, the goal was to create a white wine that would stand among the finest in the world. With over 140 trial wines before the first release, Yattarna’s signature blend reflects this pursuit of excellence.
The 2021 vintage is a stunning reflection of this commitment, made from meticulously selected grapes sourced from cool-climate regions including Tasmania, Tumbarumba, and the Adelaide Hills. The wine is aged for nine months in French oak barriques (70% new), giving it the perfect balance of elegance and complexity. Yattarna's name, meaning "little by little, gradually" in indigenous language, speaks to the painstaking care and gradual evolution of this wine, and the 2021 vintage is one of the finest yet. A wine that promises to evolve gracefully, it is sure to be enjoyed now or cellared for decades to come.
Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnay 2021 is a wine that exemplifies the winery’s philosophy of quality, innovation, and terroir. With its remarkable complexity, elegance, and aging potential, this wine continues to raise the standard for Australian Chardonnay. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for future enjoyment, Yattarna 2021 is a wine that will continue to evolve and impress for many years to come.
Maker
Penfolds is an iconic Australian winery with a legacy that stretches back over 170 years. Known for its boldness and innovation, Penfolds has continually pushed the boundaries of winemaking, producing exceptional wines that reflect the country’s diverse terroir. With a commitment to blending tradition and modernity, Penfolds produces wines that are renowned worldwide for their balance, complexity, and finesse.
Since its establishment in 1844, Penfolds has become a symbol of Australian winemaking excellence. The winery has built a reputation for its mastery in crafting wines that offer power and refinement, with wines such as Grange becoming global benchmarks for quality. Penfolds’ winemaking philosophy is rooted in the belief that the best wines come from the careful selection of grapes, a commitment to sustainability, and a passion for producing wines that tell the story of the land from which they come.
Philosophy
Penfolds’ philosophy is centered around a relentless pursuit of quality, ensuring that every wine is crafted to the highest standards. With a focus on sourcing the best fruit from across Australia, Penfolds employs a combination of traditional and modern winemaking techniques to produce wines of exceptional character. The team is committed to creating wines that reflect the unique terroir of each region, bringing out the best qualities in every grape.
Yattarna Chardonnay is a prime example of this philosophy. Crafted from select cool-climate vineyards, the wine is designed to showcase the true expression of its terroir. The winemaking process is meticulous, with attention paid to every detail, from grape selection to fermentation and aging. This hands-on approach ensures that Yattarna remains at the pinnacle of Australian Chardonnay, evolving with each vintage to maintain its place as one of the world’s finest white wines.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Complex & Enticing Aromatics
The nose of Yattarna 2021 is a complex blend of vibrant citrus and rich, creamy textures. The first impression is of ripe, zesty pink grapefruit and lemon curd, layered with the rich, nutty aromas of roasted hazelnuts and salted cashews. Subtle oak notes of crème brûlée and a hint of freshly baked almond croissant add depth, while a distinct minerality reminiscent of mussel shells and a suggestion of salinity enhance the wine’s allure.
Palate
Elegant, Rich & Textured
On the palate, the wine delivers on the promise of the nose, with a remarkable depth of flavour and a fine, creamy texture. The citrus flavours of grapefruit and lemon curd are complemented by a richness akin to crème brûlée, while hints of roasted hazelnuts, salted cashews, and fresh nougat add complexity. The wine is beautifully balanced, with a smooth, velvety mouthfeel and a fine, refreshing acidity that provides structure and focus.
Finish
Long, Clean & Balanced
The finish of Yattarna 2021 is incredibly long and persistent, with the fruit flavours lingering on the palate, braced by the wine’s crisp acidity. The oak influence is well integrated, adding a subtle warmth to the finish, while the minerality and slight salinity provide a clean, refreshing close. This wine will continue to evolve over time, revealing even greater depth and complexity as it matures.
Reviews + Accolades
"Pale straw with green hues. 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. Fresh nougat makes a cameo appearance, embedded with pistachio nuts and wrapped in glutinous rice paper. Black sesame paste baked in a Japanese milk bun. The finish is very long, the core of fruit goes on and on, braced by beautifully composed acidity. Peak drinking: 2025 – 2045." Penfolds
"Beautifully concentrated chardonnay with superb pure grapefruit, lime, stone fruit flavours, fine lacy textures, impressive mid-palate generosity, underlying marzipan, vanilla notes and fresh flinty complexity. Finishes minerally and long. Electrifying wine with wonderful volume, fruit definition, weight, complexity and energy. Highlights a marvellous vintage and years of improving the style." Andrew Caillard MW - 100 points
"I can’t recall a better Yattarna than this one, going all the way back to the initial 1995. Sure, it has the advantage of hailing from a great vintage, but the team has not missed a beat here. Everything in its place. An immaculate Chardonnay, simply world-class. A very pale lemon color, this is a beautifully elegant Chardonnay, wonderfully refined. Pristine, exquisitely structured, impeccable balance and finesse. There are notes of citrus—notably, fresh lemons, more Amalfi than Meyer. A hint of woodsmoke and wet stones with that fine minerally backing. Gentle nuts and toast. There are hints of oatmeal on the palate, and a whiff of honey. Such a gorgeous texture, so seductive. Juicy acidity and incredible length, with complexity already emerging. This is a brilliant wine, with a future of at least ten to 15 years. There is serious intensity on such a long finish. The inimitable Len Evans used to say that no variety had such a persistent finish as quality Chardonnay. This wine provides compelling evidence to support that. Anyone with well-cellared bottles in a decade will think this score miserly, but for now, 98." Ken Gargett, World of Fine Wine - 98 points
"The confidence with which Yattarna delivers incredible concentration in the presence of profound tension, heightened fruit definition with outstanding oak support and grand endurance yet immediately enticing allure is reminiscent of the inimitable grand cru set of Montrachet itself. Pristine white fruits are set to a scintillating and mineral-fine acid line of profound energy that sets off a brilliant, glittering finish of pinpoint accuracy and enduring drive. It is again one of the finest Australian chardonnays of the year." Tyson Stelzer - 98 points
"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. It's a wine that will come alive in time, but at this early stage in its life, it offers a most favorable view of Australian Chardonnay (from three regions: Tasmania, 81%; Tumbarumba, 10%; and Adelaide Hills, 9%). 13% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Drink: 2023 - 2041." Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate - 98 points
The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Chardonnay
Country - Australia
Region - Tasmania, Adelaide Hills
Vintage - 2021
Bottle Size - 1.5L
ABV - 13%
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