Description

A legendary expression of Hunter Valley Semillon shaped by heritage, meticulous vineyard selection and decades of winemaking tradition – with the 2018 vintage offering generosity, purity and unmistakable pedigree. First produced in 1963 from fruit grown on the historic Short Flat Vineyard, where the oldest vines date back to 1923, Tyrrell’s Vat 1 Semillon has become Australia’s most awarded white wine, with thousands of medals and trophies to its name. Widely regarded as one of the world’s great expressions of Semillon, it continues to define the benchmark for the variety.  Crafted only from Tyrrell’s finest old-vine, dry-grown Semillon vineyards, the fruit for Vat 1 is hand-picked and carefully sorted in the vineyard before undergoing cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The wine spends only a short time on yeast lees before early bottling to preserve freshness and clarity of fruit. No oak is used, allowing the purity and character of these exceptional vineyard sites to shine.  Displays a pale straw hue with lifted aromatics of ripe lemon, citrus curd and honeysuckle unfolding alongside delicate floral notes and subtle mineral complexity. Hints of lime, soft vanilla and stony nuances add quiet intrigue to the bouquet, reflecting both the warmth of the vintage and the depth of the vineyard fruit.  The palate is generous yet precise, revealing vibrant citrus fruit layered with gentle texture and a fine mineral thread. A soft, rounded acidity balances the richness of the vintage, creating a seamless flow across the palate while maintaining the clarity and elegance synonymous with Vat 1. Subtle powdery texture and a touch of citrus pith lend structure, carrying the flavours through a long and refined finish.  A superb partner for oysters, fresh seafood, delicate fish dishes or light poultry preparations, while its purity and vibrancy also make it a captivating aperitif.  Release when beginning to open beautifully, the 2018 release sits in a wonderful current drinking window, offering both approachability and depth. While the warmth of the vintage makes this an earlier-drinking style of Vat 1, it will continue to evolve gracefully over the coming decade, developing the honeyed, toasty complexity that defines great Hunter Valley Semillon.