I already reviewed the superb 2003 Vat 9 Hunter Shiraz from this winery on this forum (click here to read) but I would like to share the rest of my Tyrrell's experiences with those interested in this Hunter Valley winery. In the tasting room I had the luck to be served by the no nonsense Aussie guy, Richard Earnshaw. I asked him for the top and better wines only and with a smile and quick nod he grabbed and poured the first bottle. My brief impressions are:
2004 TYRRELLÂ’S Vat 1 Semillon
I could tell by the first sip that this will be an outstanding and great Vat 1 in time. Currently available with the cellar door only label at a very low price of AU $23, so those following this wine better get moving. Colour clear bright hay. Ripe lemon on nose with citrus. Very exciting and interesting palate. First appearing delicate and lovely with cleansing acid, but in the second glass its underlying power shows through. Nice and tasty, but have it with food as it will "weigh" in on you. A concentrated and absolutely serious wine. Beautifully aromatic, it will be as great in time as the magnificent 1989.
1998 TYRRELLÂ’S Vat 1 Semillon
Colour bright hay with slight gold. Interestingly, strong fig aromas on the nose that surprised me. Appearing closed now, there is a slight "hole" in the mid palate, this wine needs cellaring for at least 5 more years. Very powerful and mouth watering acid on the finish. Good wine, better than the 1997 but will never be as great as the 2004.
1995 TYRRELLÂ’S Vat 1 Semillon
Colour bright golden. Noble, almost Chablis like nose. Obviously classy after the first sip, it is an attention grabbing wine. Lovely white stone fruits on the palate with delicate figs. A very complex, beautiful wine that will develop even more character and complexity in the future. I have no doubt itÂ’s one of the greats. A delicious Semillon that will convert those who donÂ’t believe in this grape variety. Cost AU $65 but never mind, it is absolutely worth it.
1998 TYRRELLÂ’S Reserve Belford Reserve Semillon
Richard told me that the 1997 of this wine is quite outstanding. I read about it in the wine press, so I was looking forward to this 1998. Immediately powerful grip on the palate, much different in style to the Vat 1. It is an intense and full bodied wine. Good honest white with power. Would be great with food. Lacks the class and elegance of the Vat 1 Semillon.
2004 TYRRELLÂ’S Vat 47 Chardonnay
I found it hard to believe how much this Chardonnay tasted like a cool climate wine as it was 41+C degrees outside the vineyards when I walked in just after lunchtime. Colour very bright clear with hay. Smooth and delicious cool climate Chardonnay fruit on the palate. Very well balanced and expertly made wine with a long finish. Classy winemaking, it was fermented and aged in French oak for seven months. Attractive wine, worth the AU $35 asking price cellar door.
2000 TYRRELLÂ’S Vat 47 Chardonnay
As above, only 4 years older! It is a very similar tasting experience to the 2004 although the age means more roundness and a deeper taste. At five years of age this Chardonnay is going very strong and will last 5 more years. Nicely made. Cost AU $43.
2000 TYRRELLÂ’S Vat 6 Pinot Noir
I find nothing wrong with Pinot Noir grown in the Hunter, especially after tasting this example. The expertise is here at this winery as it was Murray Tyrrell who released the first Pinot Noir in Australia back in 1973. Result of a very dry vintage, grapes were picked from the HVD and NVC vineyards. Aged in French oak for 8 months, it is a ripe wine with 14.5% vol. alcohol. Colour quite brownish, according to Richard “apricot redÂâ€Â. Surprised me for sure as IÂ’ve only seen this colour before in the wines of unfiltered rustic Burgundies. Reserved nose with raspberries and red fruits. Full and thick palate with lovely and delicious fruit. Some dusty bitter oak taste on the finish. An unpolished, rustic wine that is very likeable. Amazingly Burgundian, like an unfiltered Gevrey-Chambertin village wine. This pinot is very well made and will last a few more years. An original Hunter style for sure. If you want to try it, the good adventure will cost you AU $48. Worth it for the rich and sweet fruit palate alone.
“Pretty good for a Hunter PinotÂâ€Â-remarks Richard Earnshaw
2000 TYRRELLÂ’S Reserve Stevens Shiraz
Dark cherry colour. Velvety and soft like a handshake with a lady. Very good drinking now, typically Hunter. DoesnÂ’t need more ageing but can be cellared for 5 years. Good gripping tannins on the finish. A tasty wine that is lacking a little focus and concentration. Still, very decent.
2003 TYRRELLÂ’S Vat 8 Shiraz Cabernet
Good concentration of fruit. Quite tasty and nice but lacks the excitement for me. It will be better in time, no doubt.
1999 TYRRELLÂ’S Vat 8 Shiraz Cabernet
It was a great way to finish my visit and tasting at this cellar door as this red is lovely. A blend of Shiraz from the Hunter and Cabernet from TyrrellÂ’s own St. MaryÂ’s vineyard in Coonawarra. Excellent burnt rubber, road tarmac nose from the Shiraz. On the palate, fine tannins and delicious red fruits mixing with plum. It has a traditional feel with earthy characters and dusty oak. Authentic and very well made, I liked it a lot. IÂ’d like to mention that the 1998 vintage of this wine, while being well made, didnÂ’t impress me much as it lacked the excitement of this 1999.
I enjoyed this cellar door visit. It was long overdue.
Cheers,
Attila
