Tyrrell’s Releases Latest Winemaker’s Selection

Tyrrell’s, founded in 1858, is one of Australia’s oldest wineries. Located in the Hunter Valley, just two hours drive north of Sydney, the estate is known for its Hunter Valley Semillon, one of the most distinct styles of Australian wine. It owes everything to Hunter Valley’s overcast skies and its warm climate, cooled by ocean breezes.

A unique style

Tyrrell’s is one of the foremost producers of Hunter Valley Semillon. Its Winemaker’s Selection Semillon is made from six different blocks of Semillon planted between 1923 and 1990. It is a wine style that is for advanced palates and relies on time to develop its signature notes of wax and lime curd – hence the current release is from the 2016 vintage. The longer you wait, the more pronounced the flavours.

“All you taste in that glass is what came out of the vineyard, there is not malolactic, there is no oak,” says Bruce Tyrrell. “It has this amazing line of acid, this ability to age and still keep freshness – it is different to Semillon from anywhere else.” Hunter Valley Semillon always has a light, body, bright acidity and moderate alcohol – but an intensity of flavour that is uncommon. “We work with something truly unique,” Tyrrell says.

Tyrrell also notes that Hunter Valley Semillon is the perfect wine for full-flavoured seafood: “The best thing with Semillon is fresh seafood – you can still taste the Semillon, you can still taste the seafood.” Apparently, Semillon is even drizzled over oysters in place of lemon juice.

Defying expectations

But the Hunter Valley’s unique cloudy but mild climate makes the region’s wines defy expectations: you may think that the wines are full-bodied, lush and sun-drenched – when in fact they are quite light on their feet. The first sips are juicy and the ease of drinking them initially belies their structure – but this soon catches up on the finish, as does the aromatic quality of the pristine fruit. The acidity that is so present in the Semillon also is a starring feature in the other wines in the Winemaker’s Selection series, making them precise and clear, and lending elegance: Burgundy-lovers should take note of the vivid Chardonnay, and those who might think Australian Shiraz is too bold for them, should give Hunter Valley a chance – as Bruce Tyrrell explains: “The important thing is that Hunter Shiraz is not Australian Shiraz – it is lower in alcohol, has the same acid structure as the whites and comes with lovely, sweet fruit.”

READ THE TASTING NOTES HERE