It’s simply not possible to ignore the wine, since after such hysterical pre-publicity it sold out in minutes. I’m glad it’s not called ‘Grange’ because for the time being at least, it’s not as good as Penfolds Grange. But that doesn’t prevent the new 1995 Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnay from being a darned good wine. Is it value for money? Is a Rolex? While I’ve little doubt that the wine will split the drinking population down the middle for its style and quality, I commend Southcorp for retaining its integrity by releasing a very Penfolds white. And if you’re nervous about opening your bottle, just keep it until next year and see what price it will fetch then. Sadly, for this is what many wines have become, there are few more certain wine investments.
