Wine Article
2003 Penfolds Chardonnay Yattarna
Last edited on 4/24/2024 by LindsayM
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Yattarna Chardonnay 2003
Launched in 1998 with the 1995 vintage, Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnay was the result of one of the most comprehensive and highly publicised wine development programs ever conducted in Australia.
The aspiration and independence of mind that the late Max Schubert brought to Penfolds winemaking philosophy inspired the winery to embark on the project of creating a white wine that would one day rival the standards of Penfolds Grange.
Yattarna reflects Penfolds patience and continued commitment to this goal, its very name being drawn from the Aboriginal, meaning 'little by little, gradually'. Each vintage provides the opportunity to further raise the quality horizon.
VINEYARD REGION Adelaide Hills
VINTAGE CONDITIONS A warm spring in 2002 with virtually no rain was followed by a hot December and January. Three inches of rain in February provided relief, revitalising vines and putting them in good shape for harvest. Cooler weather after the rains provided good ripening conditions offering refined fruit with excellent length and natural acidity.
GRAPE VARIETY Chardonnay
MATURATION This wine was aged for 9 months in new and one year old French oak barriques.
WINE ANALYSIS Alc/Vol: 13.50% Acidity: 6.20g/L pH: 3.30
LAST TASTED 2005-12-12
PEAK DRINKING 2007 - 2016
FOOD MATCHES Chicken, Salad, Seafood
Winemaker comments by Peter Gago - Penfolds Chief Winemaker
On release tasting notes
Pale straw with incandescent avocado hues.
The wine is still in its infancy (even after three years in bottle), however upon sitting in the glass, aromas of freshly cut limes and granny smith apples are complimented by freshly ground aromatic spices.
A controlled expression of flavour. Preserved lemon rind and refreshing acidity is balanced with barely apparent barrel ferment characters: creamy nougat; blue cheese. The perfectly balanced phenolics help define the structure without inhibiting the fruit.
Launched in 1998 with the 1995 vintage, Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnay was the result of one of the most comprehensive and highly publicised wine development programs ever conducted in Australia.
The aspiration and independence of mind that the late Max Schubert brought to Penfolds winemaking philosophy inspired the winery to embark on the project of creating a white wine that would one day rival the standards of Penfolds Grange.
Yattarna reflects Penfolds patience and continued commitment to this goal, its very name being drawn from the Aboriginal, meaning 'little by little, gradually'. Each vintage provides the opportunity to further raise the quality horizon.
VINEYARD REGION Adelaide Hills
VINTAGE CONDITIONS A warm spring in 2002 with virtually no rain was followed by a hot December and January. Three inches of rain in February provided relief, revitalising vines and putting them in good shape for harvest. Cooler weather after the rains provided good ripening conditions offering refined fruit with excellent length and natural acidity.
GRAPE VARIETY Chardonnay
MATURATION This wine was aged for 9 months in new and one year old French oak barriques.
WINE ANALYSIS Alc/Vol: 13.50% Acidity: 6.20g/L pH: 3.30
LAST TASTED 2005-12-12
PEAK DRINKING 2007 - 2016
FOOD MATCHES Chicken, Salad, Seafood
Winemaker comments by Peter Gago - Penfolds Chief Winemaker
On release tasting notes
Pale straw with incandescent avocado hues.
The wine is still in its infancy (even after three years in bottle), however upon sitting in the glass, aromas of freshly cut limes and granny smith apples are complimented by freshly ground aromatic spices.
A controlled expression of flavour. Preserved lemon rind and refreshing acidity is balanced with barely apparent barrel ferment characters: creamy nougat; blue cheese. The perfectly balanced phenolics help define the structure without inhibiting the fruit.