1995 Yattarna
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The luxury-priced 1995 Chardonnay Yattarna (an Aborigine word meaning "little by little - gradually") is meant to be the finest white wine in Penfolds' portfolio. It appears to me that the winemakers/oenologists would be well-advised to cut back on their acid adjustments. This wine is impressively built, but it possesses extremely high acidity, which keeps the wine more compressed than it would be with less artificial additions. The light gold color is followed by excellent honeyed citrus/buttery flavors, searing acidity, medium to full body, and a short finish, much of it induced by the extremely high acidity. I do not understand this style of wine making, and can imagine many Francophiles recoiling at a wine with such a high acid profile. The wonderful raw materials have been suppressed by the wine's high acidity. It should continue to drink well for 4-5 years. Importer: Southcorp Wines North America, Monterey, CA; tel. (408) 655-4848
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The luxury-priced 1995 Chardonnay Yattarna (an Aborigine word meaning little by little - gradually) is meant to be the finest white wine in Penfolds' portfolio. It appears to me that the winemakers/oenologists would be well-advised to cut back on their acid adjustments. This wine is impressively built, but it possesses extremely high acidity, which keeps the wine more compressed than it would be with less artificial additions. The light gold color is followed by excellent honeyed citrus/buttery flavors, searing acidity, medium to full body, and a short finish, much of it induced by the extremely high acidity. I do not understand this style of wine making, and can imagine many Francophiles recoiling at a wine with such a high acid profile. The wonderful raw materials have been suppressed by the wine's high acidity. It should continue to drink well for 4-5 years. Robert Parker, Apr 1999
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.