Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnay 2019

Penfold’s superstar white and one of this country’s finest Chardonnays. 2019 is a blend of fruit from Tasmania, Tumbarumba and the Adelaide Hills. Eight months in French oak barriques, 55% new, 45% one year old. This is a Yattarna for the ages. Stunning. A lovely light green/gold in colour. The nose is tight but fresh and balanced. There is oak here, but so well integrated. Spices, lemon zest, cashews, the bark of a lemon tree and wet stones. Key to this wine at all stages is the immaculate balance and focus. The wine has drive, tautness, precision and great length, all carried by underlying acidity. Such precision and balance; elegance yet power. With time in the glass, a hint more of the cinnamon-y oak emerged, as did some notes of lime. This year’s clear winner in the Penfold’s Chardonnay stakes. Outstanding. The balance remained, no matter how long the wine stayed in the glass. A long, slow gentle fade, but the intensity continues right through this length. Surely a good ten to fifteen years lie ahead for this wine.