Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnay 2024 (Pre Order)

Precision, restraint and remarkable mineral intensity define the Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnay 2024. First released in 1998 from the 1995 vintage, Yattarna was created through one of Australia’s most extensive white-wine development programmes. A total of 144 experimental wines were produced before the final style was selected, with the internal designation Bin 144 acknowledging this pioneering process. Its name means “little by little, gradually,” reflecting the patient evolution of Penfolds’ flagship Australian Chardonnay. The 2024 release draws fruit from the cool-climate regions of Tumbarumba, the Adelaide Hills and Tasmania. These distinct vineyard areas were selected to contribute natural acidity, fine structure and detailed fruit expression to the finished wine.

Cool and generally mild conditions characterised the 2024 growing season across all three sourcing regions. Variable spring weather moderated yields, while the absence of prolonged summer heat allowed the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. The extended growing period preserved natural acidity and encouraged purity, tension and structural precision at harvest. The wine was matured for eight months in French oak barriques, comprising 56% new oak and 24% one-year-old oak. Bright pale gold with a green hue, it opens with flint, slate, wet stone, oyster shell and sea-spray notes alongside pistachio nougat, roasted macadamia, almond, brioche and restrained oak spice. The palate is finely controlled and mineral-driven, combining lemon-curd creaminess with sea salt, caper and oceanic savouriness. Bright acidity and skin-derived phenolics provide an authoritative structure, while the alcohol and oak remain exceptionally discreet. Powerful without heaviness, this is a poised and enduring expression with a Penfolds-recommended peak drinking window of 2027 to 2047.