Tyrrell’s Vat 9 Shiraz Hunter Valley – 2023

Vat 9 Shiraz is sourced from the best parcels on the Tyrrell Estate, ‘Ashmans’. This Vat 9 blend comprises of Shiraz from our Short Flat, NVC, and 8 Acres Vineyards. These vines have a minimum age of 50 years, with the oldest planted in 1892, and are grown in red clay soils over limestone.

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.

Handpicked and hand sorted in the vineyard in the third week of February, the blocks were all fermented separately in open top vats. The individual wines were then matured in mostly newer French oak casks (2700L) until the Vat 9 blend was assembled in November 2023. The blend was then matured for a further five months before bottling.

Winemaker tasting note

One of the most intense colours of the 2023 release; glossy, bright, and dense. Captivating and complex aromatics of dark, sweet fruits; mulberry highlights and spice from the oak. The palate is clean, rich, and velvety; with length and texture that is signature Vat 9. Impeccable balance and approachability yet built for a long life in the cellar. Alcohol – 13.5%

“The 2023 Vat 9 Hunter Shiraz leads with black pepper, raspberry, mulberry and ironstone. It is bloody and a little meaty, although it has a sway of delicacy within the folds of flavor. In the mouth, the wine is silky and ferrous, with cooling mineral acid that laces the finish. It is a tense, tight little wine but lovely for that. It is compact. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. The oldest vines that provide fruit for the Vat 9 Shiraz were planted in 1892, although the blend takes in some younger vines as well, bringing the average age to around 50 years.” 93/100 Wine Advocate