2003 Tyrrell's Vat 9 Shiraz

[Adair]

2003 Tyrrell's Vat 9 Shiraz - 13.52% - Hunter Valley

This is the 1st bottle of 3 given as a replacement. Unfortunately, the cork shows signs to heat stress as a thin layer of wine has gone up the outside of half the length of the high quality, one-piece cork.

Bright red with purple tinges of medium depth. The nose opens with five-spice, compost and sweet meats (hints of brettanomyces) on a deep, dark cherry core. There is a touch of smooth, sweet, classy French oak. Although a bit short on the palate upon opening, after 20 minutes the wine reveals a seamless palate with deep layers of plum, blueberry, chocolate, fruitcake Shiraz fruit that covers the entire length and breadth of the palate with excellent power and weight. The wineÂ’s structure is sensual and long, combining harmoniously with the wines deep flavours, although the wineÂ’s flavours themselves need time to develop. The tannins are not intense but are soft, smooth and elastic, moulding to the curves of the tongue. The acid is noticeable, as expected from a young Hunter Shiraz, but totally encapsulated by the wine, creating a mouth-watering finish. This is a powerful yet totally controlled wine with very impressive balance that is a sheer pleasure to drink. 18.4/20.

Adair

[David Lole]

2003 Tyrrell's Vat 9 Shiraz - 13.52% - Hunter Valley

This is the 1st bottle of 3 given as a replacement. Unfortunately, the cork shows signs to heat stress as a thin layer of wine has gone up the outside of half the length of the high quality, one-piece cork.

Bright red with purple tinges of medium depth. The nose opens with five-spice, compost and sweet meats (hints of brettanomyces) on a deep, dark cherry core. There is a touch of smooth, sweet, classy French oak. Although a bit short on the palate upon opening, after 20 minutes the wine reveals a seamless palate with deep layers of plum, blueberry, chocolate, fruitcake Shiraz fruit that covers the entire length and breadth of the palate with excellent power and weight. The wineÂ’s structure is sensual and long, combining harmoniously with the wines deep flavours, although the wineÂ’s flavours themselves need time to develop. The tannins are not intense but are soft, smooth and elastic, moulding to the curves of the tongue. The acid is noticeable, as expected from a young Hunter Shiraz, but totally encapsulated by the wine, creating a mouth-watering finish. This is a powerful yet totally controlled wine with very impressive balance that is a sheer pleasure to drink. 18.4/20.

Adair

18.4.........typo?

[Adair]

18.4.........typo?

Nope. Very high silver medal, nearly gold.

Adair

[707]

Adair/Attila, in SA the 2000 Vat 9 is the current release, is the 2003 a CD or members only at this stage?

If it is then I'll chase one down from Tyrells direct as I liked your notes so much I want to run one past the Blacktongues.

[n4sir]

Adair/Attila, in SA the 2000 Vat 9 is the current release, is the 2003 a CD or members only at this stage?

I'm sure Attila mentioned it's strictly CD only at this stage at a bargain $30 price tag.

By the time it gets here in a few years I think it would have a reserve label and premium price tag to match.

Better get to it quick Steve!

Cheers
Ian

[PaulV]

I know that this may sound like blasphamy, but after tasting through the Tyrrell's private bin 2003 red and 2004 white range, I thought the whites far superior to the reds.

Didn't buy or order any of the Vat 5, 8, 9 or 11. They just seemed pretty one-dimensional, plus I thought lacking in acid and fruit depth compared to earlier years like '91 and even 98.

Cheers

Paul

[Adair]

I know that this may sound like blasphamy, but after tasting through the Tyrrell's private bin 2003 red and 2004 white range, I thought the whites far superior to the reds.

Didn't buy or order any of the Vat 5, 8, 9 or 11. They just seemed pretty one-dimensional, plus I thought lacking in acid and fruit depth compared to earlier years like '91 and even 98.

Cheers

Paul

Et tu Paul!

Nooooooooooo!!!!!!

Seriously to answer the question above, Tyrrell's releases all their wines soon after bottling at the cellar door, then the wider retail market with age. I recommend any Hunter lover to buy their Tyrrell's wines after bottling at the cellar door. They are up to 50% less than when they are more widely released and I don't think the Tyrrell's cellars are as good as many private wine lovers here.

So, 707, just ring up Tyrrell's in Pokolbin and get yourself a bottle. Make sure you open/decant with the same time given to your big bombs down there.

Kind regards,
Adair