Tyrrell’s HVD Chardonnay Hunter Valley – 2023

Vineyard
The ‘Old Vines’ Chardonnay block on HVD was planted in 1908 and is believed to be the oldest producing Chardonnay vineyard in the world. This vineyard is situated between two dry creek beds  and features free-draining, sandy soils over coarse river sand.

Vintage Conditions
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.

Winemaker’s Notes
The fruit was handpicked on February 1 and was immediately basket pressed. The juice was cold settled for two days before fermentation began in stainless steel tanks. The fermenting juice was then transferred to French oak puncheons for eight months’ maturation. 3,333bts were produced.

“The 2023 HVD Chardonnay is sourced from vines planted in 1908, making them the oldest Chardonnay vines in Australia. The fruit is basket pressed to help preserve the natural acidity, cool-settled sans enzyme, then sent to barrel. The wine is matured in puncheons in order to nurture the softer, more floral nuances that the vineyard gives. The wine is softly textured and fine, with white peach, pear, green apple and white pepper. The acidity that laces the wine together is saline and makes for invisible texture. This is a beauty, but it will be better in a few years, I suspect. 13% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.” 92/100 Wine Advocate

97/100pts James Halliday