Penfolds Bin 144 Chardonnay Yattarna 2022

Introduction

Penfolds Bin 144 Chardonnay Yattarna 2022 is a prestige white wine from Australia, primarily sourced from the cool climate regions of Tumbarumba, Tasmania, and the Adelaide Hills. Launched in 1998 with the 1995 vintage, Yattarna was the result of 144 winemaking trials aimed at creating a 'white Grange' that would set the standard for ultra fine Australian Chardonnay. The name Yattarna is drawn from local indigenous language, meaning 'little by little, gradually', reflecting the winery's patience and commitment to an evolving style that prioritizes fruit quality over a specific single region.

Wine Description

This world class Chardonnay presents a pale lemon colour with green tinges. The nose is highly complex, offering intense aromas of lemon curd, white peach, and grapefruit, underscored by flinty notes, marzipan, and delicate floral scents of jasmine and honeysuckle. On the palate, the wine is powerful and linear, displaying a 'rapier like' precision with flavours of nectarine, watermelon, and sugar figs, balanced by a creamy texture and a fine line of acidity. It features a long, enduring finish characterized by oyster shell minerals, almond meal, and softly spoken oak spice. The 2022 vintage is a 100% Chardonnay composition, matured for eight months in French oak barriques, of which 44% were new. It has an alcohol content of 12.5% ABV and an optimal drinking window from 2025 through 2044.

Accolades

• Halliday Wine Companion - 97 points

• Wine Pilot (Jeni Port) - 97 points

• The Wine Front (Campbell Mattinson) - 96 points

• Wine Advocate - 90+ points Vinous - 98 points

Food Pairing

The intense power and mineral tension of this Chardonnay make it a superb match for rich seafood and delicate poultry dishes. Suggested pairings include lobster bisque, seared scallops, and whole steamed fish, or more adventurous options like sushi and sashimi. It also complements roast chicken, duck a l'orange, and creamy Cantonese chicken with cashew nuts. For cheese courses, it pairs beautifully with high fat options like triple cream brie, Taleggio, or aged Comté.

Vintage Quality

The 2022 vintage was outstanding for cool climate Chardonnay, particularly in Tumbarumba, which provided the majority of the fruit for this blend. Cooler harvest conditions allowed for excellent acid retention and vibrant fruit development, resulting in wines with significant aromatic intensity and a serious base of natural acidity.