Tyrrell's Private Bin Club May 2013 Red Release

[dan_smee]

Hi All,

Any Private Bin Club members here?

Wondering if anyone knows anything about the reds that will be offered this May, given the wipeout vintage that was 2012? Chris Tyrrell has mentioned on Facebook that there will be a Vat 94 GSM...

[graham]

Yep, been a member for 10 + years. Every year get vat 1 and 47, and vat 9. Since release have got 4 acres every year. Have yet to see this years notes but doesn't matter as I have a standing order .
Graham

[dan_smee]

Yep, been a member for 10 + years. Every year get vat 1 and 47, and vat 9. Since release have got 4 acres every year. Have yet to see this years notes but doesn't matter as I have a standing order .
Graham

Yeah, I have a standing order too - equal split of Vat 1, Johnno's Sem, Vat 8 and Vat 9. Only thing is, they didn't make ANY Hunter reds in 2012.

[graham]

That sucks if that's the case
Graham

[sjw_11]

Dan, I already have some of the whites but what was the vintage quality like for those? I think it read OK in Tyrrell's notes... Vat 1 described as best since 2009 and likely to be long lived...
If there are no Hunter reds, I might just use the money to double up the whites I usually buy (Vat 47 and Vat 1),

[dan_smee]

That sucks if that's the case
Graham

Yeah, its true. Was there a few weeks ago, and they said they were working out their options. I think they were going to release more from 2011 (so dip into their stores of Vat 8/9, 4 Acres etc), make premiums from other sites (like the DB24 and the Vat 94 GSM i mentioned above).

2012 was a total write-off for reds in the Hunter, too much rain, disease, splitting etc. The one consolation is that 2013 looks to be an absolute belter.

For interest's sake: Vat 94, not sure where from, it's actually shiraz, grenache, malbec 75, 15, 10 % respectively. It's designed as a tribute to the old Tyrrell's and Hardy's blends of the 50s and 60s.

[dan_smee]

Dan, I already have some of the whites but what was the vintage quality like for those? I think it read OK in Tyrrell's notes... Vat 1 described as best since 2009 and likely to be long lived...
If there are no Hunter reds, I might just use the money to double up the whites I usually buy (Vat 47 and Vat 1),

Whites were good - picked early, and some good flavours. The Johnno's sem was especially good. I much preferred it to the 10 and 11.

I'm thinking of using the additional funds to get one or two of each of the 'new' offerings, and then maybe some Vat 63. Probably the best value wine in the line-up.

[sjw_11]

Dan, I already have some of the whites but what was the vintage quality like for those? I think it read OK in Tyrrell's notes... Vat 1 described as best since 2009 and likely to be long lived...
If there are no Hunter reds, I might just use the money to double up the whites I usually buy (Vat 47 and Vat 1),

Whites were good - picked early, and some good flavours. The Johnno's sem was especially good. I much preferred it to the 10 and 11.

I'm thinking of using the additional funds to get one or two of each of the 'new' offerings, and then maybe some Vat 63. Probably the best value wine in the line-up.

Thanks... Might get some Johnno's sem then to mix it up a bit

[dan_smee]

Just received my email re 2012 reds:

Dear Mr Smee,

Your Private Bin Standing Order for 2013.

Due to the rain events in January and February last year, we have declared 2012 a non-red vintage for the Hunter. Therefore, there will be no Hunter reds available for release from 2012 and so your Standing order will be rolled over for the 2013 red vintage.

We will be releasing a small quantity of Vat 94 Dry Red from 2012. This is a blend of the best bits of Hunter Shiraz from our old vineyards blended with some Grenache and Malbec from McLaren Vale much as we used to do in the 1960's and 1970's in the wet years. We will also be releasing the 2011 Stevens and Brokenback Shiraz. All of these wines will be available for tasting from Easter and as a standing order customer you will receive your red mailing in advance to give you the first opportunity to secure these wines.

We are pleased to advise the following wines are on Standing Order for you. The Whites will be available for despatch in September and Vat 47 released in November. Vat 7, 14, 15 and 91 will be despatched end of May. The 2012 Private Bin Red Brochure will be sent under separate cover.

3 Bottles - VAT 8 SHIRAZ CABERNET - Unavailable
3 Bottles - VAT 9 SHIRAZ - Unavailable
3 Bottles - VAT 1 SEMILLON '13
3 Bottles - JOHNNOS SEMILLON '13 6 X 750ML

I don't know if this means I am 'obliged' to purchase 6 reds that will be made available, however I will probably buy whatever is left from last years release, some Vat 94 and the 'drink now' vats. Will wait and see what the brochure says.

[dan_smee]

I think I'm the only one who cares about this at this point! Anyway, my brother and I went and tried what was available at the cellar door last Saturday - story and photos are here http://vinographic.com/blog/2013/5/23/t ... ed-release

[mf]

I did not care until I realised that I had been debited for a red tasting dozen - I think I misconstrued the email I received as meaning I would not be obliged to take up the red tasting dozen given there were no 2012 Hunter reds and my standing order had been rolled for the 2013 order. Hopefully I can rectify that situation - not too keen to get a dozen mostly full of some "filler" wines.