1998 Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnay

The Yattarna was launched in 1998, with the 1995 Vintage, and was created after a very extensive search of viticultural areas throughout Australia. The cool climate vineyards of Tumbarumba, Fleurieu and Drumborg add length anddraws comparison with the great White Burgundies of France.

Vintage conditions in all four regions were outstanding for the production of super premium Chardonnay.

The below tasting notes were made at the 50th Anniversary Dinner of Penfolds Grange at Magill in South Australia on November 26th 2001. They were written in less than ideal tasting conditions. The pomp and ceremony of the occasion and low level lighting, together with the constant chatter on the table, all made a less than perfect tasting environment. I am sure, many of the wines would have scored a point or two higher under perfect tasting conditions and, thus the notes are to be read with this proviso in mind. - Nick Chlebnikowski

Bright straw colour, with slight green hue. The nose is complex, with layers of aromas emerging – toasted oak, spice, peach, vanilla, butterscotch, roast almonds and yeast lees. Mouthfilling palate, wonderful depth and concentration of flavour. Yeast lees, biscuit, hazelnut, toasted oak, excellent length. Perfect balance. Crisp acid finish, followed by very long grapefruit and butterscotch aftertaste.
Cellar 3-4 years (2005-2006)
Alc/Vol: 13.5%

First Tasted: Jue 2001

This is what the white wine trial was all about. The ‘White Grange’ – Yattarna. In many ways this wine has strong parallels to Petaluma Tiers, displaying the same sort of refinement and persistence of flavour. Pale watery, straw colour, still very youthful in appearance. Complex nose, with aromas of spicy oak, fig and hazelnut, followed by nuances of grapefruit. The palate structure is tight, and a very refined style, with perfect oak integration, definitely no overt use of oak. Subtlety and elegance as well as power and persistence are the benchmarks of this wine. Mineral, citrus and grapefruit flavours dominate. A grand Australian white, that needs a few years to open up and blossom.
Cellar 5-8 years (2006-2009)

RATING: 92/100
VALUE: XXXX/5