2012 Yattarna
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Tasting notes
Light nose. Just a tiny bit wan, without the conviction and concentration of the finest vintages. Neat and long but not that exciting. Still a little astringent. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
First vintage of Yattarna was 1995, released in 1998. Yattarna means 'little by little'. 38% Derwent Valley, 37% Henty, 25% Adelaide Hills. Eight months' maturation in 45% new oak, 55% one year old. Beautiful fragrant nose with oak and tropical fruit. Creamy yet delicate mouthfeel. Nervy acidity. There’s a lovely light chew on the finish. Sophisticated, great clarity and length. Fabulous tension. (RH)
Matured for eight months in 45% new French oak. Buttery and smoky, lime and lemon juice. Fine, stringy build – not fleshy and bold like Australian Chardonnay of old. Compressed, yet potent and lengthy on the palate. Lacks the showiness of the Reserve Bin Chardonnays. Driven by high acidity. (RH)
The 2012 Yattarna Chardonnay is made from fruit sourced in Tasmania, Henty and Adelaide Hills and aged 8 months in French oak, 45% of which is new. It has a lovely, restrained style marked by grapefruit, lime and honeysuckle notes with a little cedar and toast alongside hints of almonds and chalk. Medium-bodied (13.2% alcohol), it underwent 100% malolactic fermentation and shows off a very tightly-knit, crisp and clean palate that concludes with a very zesty and chalky finish. One for the cellar.
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.