Tyrrell’s Vat 1 Semillon Hunter Valley – 2019

Vat 1 Semillon only ever comes from the oldest and best blocks. The vines are all dry grown, on their own roots, and date back to 1923.

The 2019 vintage in the Hunter Valley was another high-quality year across all varieties and was a stellar follow up to 2018. Continued dry conditions meant cropping levels were slightly lower than normal however all of the fruit was in perfect condition with intense concentration.

All of the fruit was hand-picked on 5 and 6 of February in perfect condition before being lightly pressed. The freerun juice was then fermented at cool temperatures in stainless steel tanks. The wine stayed in these tanks until bottling in early July.

Winemaker tasting note

The nose shows a lifted floral character with a hint of citrus that is more intense than in recent years. The palate is grand cru-like in the sense that it has great depth and power yet maintains its elegance through the finish, with a softer acid profile giving the wine great balance. A classic Vat 1 with the exceptional length and balance only seen in great vintages. Alcohol – 10.5%

“As of this tasting at the end of 2025, the 2019 Vat 1 Semillon is nearly seven years from its harvest. The wine is yet to fully develop the characteristic and desirable toastiness that is endemic to great, older Hunter Valley Semillon, and yet there are whiffs of it. And it is good. There are notes of creamed honey on toast, pressed linen, lemon pith, ocean spray, crushed shells and wheat. In the mouth, the wine is featherlight, intense and long through the finish. This is very good indeed. 10.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.” 96/100 Wine Advocate