2002 Yattarna
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Tasting notes
The only one under cork. Penfolds put all their whites under screwcap from about 2003 and had been experimenting with the closure (at Haughtons) from the early 1970s. This bottle was sourced from within the UK. Much deeper orangey gold than the others. Muted nose with some sweetness. Just a little dull, and quite dry and chewy on the end. Not much personality. Fossilised. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Adelaide Hills and Tumburumba. Cheesy and a bit sour – worrying nose, but not completely shot on the palate. Definitely fading though, still has some charm but going into cider and orange peel character. Interesting but ultimately disappointing. (RH)
I have been a perennial critic of Penfolds’ flagship Chardonnay Yattarna, a 1,500-case, cool climate offering that has often revealed too much oak as well as an evolved character. However, the 2002 Chardonnay Yattarna appears to be the finest example yet produced. After spending 9 months in wood, with no SO2 additions, it was bottled unfiltered. About 76% of the fruit came from Adelaide Hills. The 2002 reveals subtle oak in addition to crisp lemon butter, orange skin, white corn, and caramel aromas. With excellent definition, fresh acidity, a layered texture, and a persistent finish, this beauty should drink well for 4-5 years. Importer: PWG Vintners, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 996-4504
Medium straw. Spicy peach, Golden Delicious apple, tangerine and grainy oatmeal aromas with a licorice accent. Sweet flavors of fresh pineapple and passion are complicated by suggestions of clover honey and lichee. A supple, intense chardonnay that's nicely firmed by fresh citric notes.
About the producer
Penfolds is Australia’s most famous wine producer, known best for their iconic top wine, Grange. First produced commercially in 1952, Grange has since gone on to become one of the world’s most famous fine wines. In 2001, the wine was listed as an Australian heritage icon.