Penfolds V Preview After the success of Penfolds G4 and G5, it was probably inevitable that this should be followed by a similar project using parcels of back-vintage Yattarna. The thinking behind Penfolds V was to seek out optimal vintages from the last decade and blend the components into a single multi-vintage Yattarna Chardonnay. This idea is not new in Champagne, where reserve wine is used to promote complexity and richness of flavour. In many respects, this type of wine reflects the idea of an all- round blend which can be enjoyed immediately, rather than having to wait for the elements to fold into each other. But well-balanced examples can often last the distance as well. Penfolds V comprises 20% each of the 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2021 vintages of Yattarna. Back vintages were carefully drawn out of bottles into a stainless steel vat on the 5th May, using a Champagne decanting technique known as ‘transvasage’, which prevents oxidation and colour pick-up. This was followed by bottling under inert conditions a few days later, on the 9th May 2022. The preview tasting took place immediately after the collection tasting in late June. In Bordeaux it is common to taste white wines after a succession of reds. Penfolds V has plenty going for it, but I think it will look better once the wine is settled. Nonetheless, it’s fresh and complex, with lovely energy and suppleness. From experience, the wine will open up in the months ahead. Penfolds V South Australia G 96 + A blend of 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016 & 2021 Yattarna vintages. Pale colour. Fresh lemon curd, grapefruit, tonic water/ oyster shell aromas with marzipan, vanilla grilled nut notes. Attractive sweet grapefruit glacé, lemon curd, hint apricot fruits, fine slinky textures, creamy viscosity, and underlying saline/ tonic water notes. Finishes bittersweet with long fresh acidity. Very expressive and interesting palimpsest of flavours and structure. Youthful yet complex. A paradox. Drink 2023–2035.
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The Vintage Journal – Verticals
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