Penfolds Bin 144 Chardonnay Yattarna 2021

Introduction

Penfolds Bin 144 Chardonnay Yattarna 2021 is a prestige white wine from Australia, primarily sourced from the cool climate regions of Tasmania, Tumbarumba, and the Adelaide Hills. Launched in 1998 with the 1995 vintage, Yattarna was the result of 144 winemaking trials intended to create a white counterpart to the legendary Grange that would set a new standard for ultra fine Australian Chardonnay. The name Yattarna is drawn from local indigenous culture, meaning 'little by little, gradually', and reflects the winery's patience and commitment to a multi regional, merit based sourcing philosophy.

Wine Description

This masterful Chardonnay presents a pale straw colour with green hues. The nose is layered and evolving, offering complex aromatics of white peach, lemon curd, and nectarine, alongside savory notes of almond croissant, hazelnut, and struck match reduction. On the palate, the wine is firm and concentrated, bridgeing textural richness with a core of pink grapefruit and lime fruit balanced by a fine, filigreed line of acidity. It features a long, persistent finish defined by sustained fruit, pristine acidity, and a touch of chalkiness. The 2021 vintage is a 100% Chardonnay composition, matured for nine months in French oak barriques, of which 70% were new. It has an alcohol content of 13% ABV and an optimal drinking window from 2025 through 2046. This wine is not certified organic.

Accolades

• Andrew Caillard MW - 100 points

• Wine Advocate - 98 points

• Tyson Stelzer - 98 points

• Halliday Wine Companion - 98 points

• James Suckling - 97 points

• The Wine Front - 97 points

Food Pairing

The precision and structural depth of this Chardonnay make it an ideal partner for elevated seafood and poultry dishes. It pairs flawlessly with butter poached lobster with yuzu beurre blanc, seared scallops with a miso glaze, or grilled white fish. It also complements roasted chicken with hazelnut and thyme stuffing or creamy pasta dishes. For cheese pairings, it is best suited to Brie de Meaux with cumquat jam or rich triple cream cheeses.

Vintage Quality

The 2021 vintage is described as a 'unicorn year' for the region, marked by a welcome return to normal weather patterns and a cooler than average summer. These conditions allowed for extended hang time and exceptional flavour development, resulting in parcels of Chardonnay with a rare combination of intense concentration and phenolic precision.