Tyrrell’s Vat 47 Chardonnay 2023

An iconic wine in the Australian vinous landscape that has in recent years, risen to the challenge of maintaining its greatness and relevance. Established though it may be and the sort of wine drunk by shall we say, mature wine drinker’s, the 2023 Vat 47 nonetheless oozes class, experience and the great site from whence it came. Seductive aromatics of jasmine, grapefruit, melon, mandarin, flint, cashew, white peach and pear. Pure, succulent and juicy, flavours fanning out beautifully across the palate, intensely caressing. More open, with none of the awkwardness I would usually associate with a young Vat 47. Some exotic fruits of green mango, kiwi and fig, keeping things real, for this is the Hunter valley after all. A truly great expression of vineyard, tradition and an unsurpassed level of technical expertise. World class. Norris at Waters Wine Company

An established star in the Australian wine landscape, and rightly so, for its purity, complexity and power. Made from hand-picked grapes sourced entirely from the Short Flat vineyard, planted by Murray Tyrrell. The lemony fruit is intense and the palate is beautifully expansive, textural and deeply satisfying, with barely perceptible savoury winemaking details that embellish and enrich the wine without a shred of dominance. The flavours build to an impressive crescendo, finishing with remarkable purity, energy and deliciousness. An outstanding chardonnay – one of Australia’s best. Pure class. 98 Points, Halliday Wine Companion

Vat 47 Chardonnay comes entirely from our Short Flat Vineyard where the original Chardonnay vines were planted by Murray Tyrrell in 1968. The soil profile in this dry-grown vineyard is unlike that of any of our other vineyards, which gives Vat 47 its unique character. In the lead up to the 2023 vintage, there was an abundance of rain in spring which gave great soil moisture heading into the dry months of December and January. The harvest period was relatively stress-free without any adverse conditions such as rain or heat. This vintage has produced well balanced, complex wines with fruit purity and is considered to be an exceptional Hunter Valley vintage. All of the fruit was handpicked between 27 January and 3 February, which is approximately one week earlier than 2022. The fruit was immediately basket-pressed, then the juice was cold settled for two days before being racked to stainless steel tanks to begin fermentation. The fermenting juice was then transferred to French oak barriques to complete fermentation and maturation before bottling in October 2023.

A strong Vat 47, with the nose showing intense citrus and white stone fruit characters and a hint of oak in the background. The palate is powerful, yet elegant, and the Short Flat Vineyard character shines through. Grapefruit and lemon citrus along with some spice and creaminess. This is then balanced by textural elements derived from the solids ferment and extended time on yeast lees. A Vat 47 of great depth and power, yet still maintaining a lively and fresh finish. Tyrrell’s Notes

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