Penfolds

Bin 144 Yattarna Tumbarumba Chardonnay

• 

  Vintage
  97 points

People think this is a Tasmanian-only wine,” says Peter Gago, Penfolds chief winemaker. “It is not.” Indeed, there is more Tumbarumba fruit in ‘22 than blending partners Tasmania and Adelaide Hills combined. With Tumbarumba enjoying a top ’22 vintage, the choice was obvious. Looks good in bright lemon hues, smells great, too, as it brings forward lifted honeysuckle, white flowers, hay and a wealth of citrus with an intriguing whisper of Asian-inspired lemongrass and kaffir lime. For all of its firmness on the palate, its youth and earnest structure on display, it does express itself rather well, building on a groundwork of citrus, white peach and yellow apple before exploring almond meal, custard peach underscored with notes of creamy, toasty oak with bright, brisk lemony acidity throughout. Complexity is building, texture as well. Quality Australian Chardonnay can now safely be considered a cellaring option with Yattarna leading the way. Something to consider with the ’22 and its serious base of cool climate acidity.