Yattarna derives from an Indigenous word meaning ‘little by little’ or ‘gradually’. This utterly unmistakable Australian name, which evokes associations with organic momentum and vintage-by-vintage effort, captures the true essence and culture of Penfolds’ winemaking philosophy. The first vintage, released in 1995, was the impressive result of an intensive research project across state borders, to find the distinguished vineyard sites capable of yielding that rare and exquisite fruit quality, necessary for a truly great Australian chardonnay. Ever since, the evolution of Yattarna has become one of Penfolds’ most fascinating stories and nearly two decades of dedicated research, blending and refinement is now producing a revelational release each vintage. Modern day Yattarna has become even finer, more elegant and focused, with ageing potential of up to a decade in strong vintages. Yattarna is redefining Australian chardonnay at a time when premium Australian chardonnay has never been better.

Food pairing

Rabbit, candied lemon peel, pumpkin ’tears217;, bacon, coffee and coriander seed A classic Italian veal recipe - Vitello tonnato Kingfish carpaccio

Producer

Australia’s winemaking history of less than two hundred years is brief by European measures though, like Europe, punctuated by periods of extreme success and difficult times. From the earliest winemaking days Penfolds has figured prominently and few would argue the importance of Penfolds’ influence on Australia’s winemaking psyche. Without the influence of Penfolds the modern Australian wine industry would look very different indeed. Sitting comfortably outside of fad and fashion, Penfolds has taken Australian wine to the world on a grand stage and forged a reputation for quality that is without peer. Penfolds’ reputation for making wines of provenance and cellaring potential might suggest a mantle of tradition and formality is the preferred attire of a company with so much history to defend. But to label Penfolds as simply an established and conventional winemaker, would be to confuse tradition with consideration and to overlook the innovative spirit that has driven Penfolds since its foundation, and continues to find expression in modern times. If there is anything traditional about Penfolds, it is the practice of constantly reviewing the wines it already does well, and continuously evolving and refining styles as vineyards mature and access to ever older and more varied vineyard sites improves.