about this product

Vat 1 Semillon is an extremely refined wine style with strong regional character. The young wines show plenty of pure fresh lemony curd fruit characters and a clean steely, almost bracing acid backbone. Over time the wine becomes extremely complex, with a golden colour, honeyed, straw-like aromas and a soft, immensely complex and flavoursome palate. It is this capacity to develop so beautifully that has given Vat 1 an extraordinary reputation for cellaring. Typically the fruit is derived from the mature Short Flat vineyard ranging from 90 to 50 year old vines and are dry-grown on primarily sandy alluvial loams. No supplementary irrigation is used. The fruit is hand-picked in late January and early February at relatively low sweetness levels making these wines some of the lowest alcohol wines produced in Australia. The juice is clarified before a relatively cool fermentation in stainless steel. Depending on vintage the wine receives between one and eight weeks yeast lees contact to increase overall complexity. The wine never sees new oak but is matured prior to bottling in stainless steel.

Style: Semillon
Vintage: 2010

Region: Hunter Valley
Code: TV1

Varietal: Semillon
Country: Australia

Review Gary Walsh

Lemon powder and subtle tropical notes, but largely drenched in freshly squeezed lime. It has richness and intensity of flavour but remains tangy and zesty – the acid line feels tight and secure – enough to anchor it safely for many years. Sails through the mouth and coasts effortlessly long through the finish. In short, a richer style, but a beautiful Vat 1.

95 points, The Wine Front (October 2010)
Review James Halliday

Only a small portion of Vat 1 is released when young to its mail list customers; the wine has very good structure to its citrus and mineral flavours; despite its alcohol, is very tight and focused, ready for the decades to come.

94 points, Wine Companion (March 2011)
Review Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW

Vat 1 Semillon is fermented in stainless steel, spending a short time on lees in tank prior to bottling. It sees no oak. The 2010 Winemaker’s Selection Vat 1 Semillon has youthfully mute aromas of lemon peel, fresh grass, chalk boards, fresh lime juice and grapefruit. Very crisp, dry and light-bodied, it possesses an excellent concentration of citrus and mineral flavors, finishing long. Don’t even think about drinking this now – try it in about 5-6 years when it will start to enter its drinking window. It should cellar to 2022+.

94+ points, Wine Advocate (May 2011)

Region Hunter Valley

The Hunter Valley is the most important quality wine-producing region in New South Wales, even though it represents only a Franceaction of the state’s production. Established in the early 1800s, the first vignerons recognised that the coastal Franceinge north of Sydney was too wet and humid for viable viticulture and thus took the decision to move into the hinterland. Although the region can be particularly hot, the cloud and rainfall patterns significantly modify the microclimate. The Hunter Valley is maritime influenced, with afternoon sea breezes funnelling up through the Hunter River and Goulburn River gap. Rainfall is very erratic and can arrive at the most inopportune time. Soils are generally rich volcanic and alluvial. The best vineyard sites are located within sight of the imposing Brokenback Range that is exposed to the cool sea breezes. Further inland, the maritime influence gives way to a greater degree of continentality. The Hunter Valley is best known for exceptional age-

The Hunter Valley is the most important quality wine-producing region in New South Wales, even though it represents only a Franceaction of the state’s production. Established in the early 1800s, the first vignerons recognised that the coastal Franceinge north of Sydney was too wet and humid for viable viticulture and thus took the decision to move into the hinterland. Although the region can be particularly hot, the cloud and rainfall patterns significantly modify the microclimate. The Hunter Valley is maritime influenced, with afternoon sea breezes funnelling up through the Hunter River and Goulburn River gap. Rainfall is very erratic and can arrive at the most inopportune time. Soils are generally rich volcanic and alluvial. The best vineyard sites are located within sight of the imposing Brokenback Range that is exposed to the cool sea breezes. Further inland, the maritime influence gives way to a greater degree of continentality. The Hunter Valley is best known for exceptional age-worthy Semillon and Franceesh savoury medium-bodied Shiraz, although Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay also perform well.

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Winery TYRRELL'S

Tyrrell’s is one of the oldest family wineries in Australia with a history dating to the mid 19th century. In 1850 Edward Tyrrell arrived in Sydney. He was eventually granted 330 acres of prime Hunter Valley land, planting his first vines in 1858. Tyrrell’s first vintage in 1864 began a family tradition of winemaking in the Hunter Valley. His original slab hut is still standing today. The economic slump in the 1930s,saw a decline in production as demand waned. Over the years Tyrrell’s has managed to survive and thrive, producing numerous wines including a handful of premium wines including the iconic Vat 1 Semillon, Vat 47 Chardonnay and Vat 9 Shiraz.

TYRRELL'S Vat 1 Semillon, Hunter Valley 2010

TYRRELL'S Vat 1 Semillon, Hunter Valley 2010

about this product

Review Gary Walsh

Review James Halliday

Review Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW

Region Hunter Valley

Winery TYRRELL'S