Penfolds : Yattarna Chardonnay 2023

Characteristics and tasting tips for Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnay 2023

Tasting

Appearance
The appearance is pale yellow, accented by nuances of lime green.

Nose
The nose reveals a youthful and elegant purity with aromas of marine freshness and river stone. Earthy notes of hazelnut and chestnut join in, accompanied by vegetal hints of watercress and frozen pistachio. Subtle nuances of flint, golden pastry, honey ice cream, and beeswax complete this complex aromatic interplay.

Palate
On the palate, this vintage follows the excellence of 2021 with its remarkable finesse. A lively tension animates the palate, carried by phenolic notes that accompany the fruit. Aromas of lemon myrtle, rhubarb, and Moroccan lemon unfold alongside flavor notes of Nashi pear, white fig, and lime zest. The crisp acidity recalls ripe apple and lends balance and vibrancy to the whole.

Serving and Cellaring
The Yattarna Chardonnay 2023 will reveal its full potential from approximately 2026 to 2045.

An exceptional Chardonnay from the cool Australian regions by Penfolds

The Producer
An emblem of excellent quality, the Penfolds estate has established itself since the beginning of the 20th century as a symbol of great Australian wines, thanks largely to the persistence of a courageous figure: Mary Penfold. The famous Briton and her husband Christopher Rawson arrived in Australia in 1844 and quickly acquired a 200-hectare estate in the heart of Adelaide. Enthusiastic about this wine jewel, Mary Penfold subsequently devoted herself body and soul to managing the estate, making it the largest wine producer in South Australia.

Marked by depth, elegance, and complexity, Penfolds wines have been celebrated by critics for decades, and the awards received are almost too numerous to count.

The Vineyard
Yattarna is a Southern Australia wine sourced exclusively from the best Chardonnay terroirs known for their cool climate, spread across Tumbarumba, Adelaide Hills, and Tasmania.

The Vintage
In Tumbarumba, spring rainfall associated with La Niña reduced yields by half, while a hot, dry summer allowed for perfect ripeness and optimal quality. In the Adelaide Hills, after average winter rains and a dry July, spring rainfall complicated logistics. Cool temperatures delayed budburst and flowering, but a dry flowering period lowered disease pressure, while heat in February ensured high acidity and aromatic depth. In Tasmania, a dry winter was preceded by a very wet spring with record rainfall in mid-October. The mild summer allowed for finesse and aromatic concentration despite lower yields.

Vinification and Aging
The Yattarna Chardonnay 2023 benefited from eight months of aging in French oak barrels, of which 60% were new and 40% were one year old. This approach imparts structure and complexity while preserving the pure fruit expression.

Grape Variety
100% Chardonnay