Tyrrell's latest Winemaker's Selection release includes the 2019 vintage of its iconic Vat 1 Semillon

In 1962, Murray Tyrrell and Len Evans set out to determine the best wines from each vintage in the Tyrrell’s portfolio – wines of quality, but perhaps more importantly, wines that truly represented the Hunter Valley estate and its house style. 

The wines, labelled after the cask number each had been matured in, formed Tyrrell’s first Winemaker’s Selection. Six decades on, they are among the country’s most ageworthy and collectable bottles.

The 2025 Winemaker’s Selection, released by the winery on July 1, includes the 2019 Vat 1 Semillon, 2023 Vat 47 Chardonnay, 2023 Vat 9 Shiraz, 2023 Vat 8 Shiraz Cabernet, and the 2023 Vat 63 Chardonnay Semillon. 

Most iconic is the Vat 1, which comes off the oldest (from plantings dating back to 1923) and best blocks on the estate. With over 5500 medals and 330 trophies to its name, this wine is the most awarded white in Australian history. It’s also one of only four whites on Langtons First Classified list.

Tyrrell's Old Hillside Vineyard.

Vat 47 is a beautiful chardonnay, and is consistently ranked among the country’s top expressions of the variety – although, as James Halliday details, it took a while to find its rhythm! The first couple of vintages were cold-fermented in stainless steel tanks (and blended with a decent proportion of semillon). The 1973 vintage, which was the first to be fermented and matured in new French oak, received just six points out of 20 at the Brisbane Wine Show. 

But, over time, tweaks to the process – including choice of barrels, a change in the estate vineyards allocated to the wine, and moving away from malolactic fermentation – have cemented Vat 47’s position as one of Australia’s best. 

Vat 9 is Tyrrell’s hallmark shiraz, made from old, dry-grown estate vines and aged in large format oak. Vat 8 is its homage to the classic Aussie red blend, comprising shiraz sourced from the estate and cabernet sauvignon sourced from McLaren Vale. 

The most unique wine in the collection is Vat 63. The 2024 vintage includes 60 per cent chardonnay and 40 per cent semillon, vinified separately and blended just before bottling.

See Toni Paterson MW's tasting notes and scores for the latest release below.

Tyrrell's Wines 2019 Vat 1 Winemaker's Selection Semillon

Great wines like Tyrrell’s Vat 1 Semillon are celebrated for their clarity of expression and remarkable intensity – qualities that shine brightly in the '19 vintage. The mid-palate is beautifully open and generous, showcasing powerful citrus flavours and micro hints of flint, wet river stones, lemon curd and greengages. The true strength of this vintage lies in its refreshing, succulent mid-palate, harmonious balance and ultra-cleansing finish, making it a superb accompaniment to food. It is at the beginning of its evolution, and its refinement and grace set it apart. – 97 points, Toni Paterson MW.

Tyrrell's Wines 2023 Vat 47 Winemaker's Selection Chardonnay

An established star in the Australian wine landscape, and rightly so, for its purity, complexity and power. Made from hand-picked grapes sourced entirely from the Short Flat vineyard, planted by Murray Tyrrell. The lemony fruit is intense and the palate is beautifully expansive, textural and deeply satisfying, with barely perceptible savoury winemaking details that embellish and enrich the wine without a shred of dominance. The flavours build to an impressive crescendo, finishing with remarkable purity, energy and deliciousness. An outstanding chardonnay – one of Australia's best. Pure class. – 98 points, Toni Paterson MW.

Tyrrell's Wines 2023 Vat 9 Winemaker's Selection Shiraz

An outstanding Vat 9, reflecting the strength of the vintage, the component vineyards and the winemaking prowess. Parcels from Short Flat, NVC and 8 Acres vineyards were used, with a minimum vine age of 50 years. It is extraordinarily supple, mouth-filling and moreish, yet still decidedly medium weight. It has incredible flavour concentration, density and gentle succulence. Fine tannins provide appropriate support to the cherry and plum fruit, balanced acidity gives brightness and quality oak introduces a distinct nuttiness. A wine of completeness and harmony, and one to buy and serve with confidence. – 97 points, Toni Paterson MW.

Tyrrell's Wines 2023 Vat 8 Winemaker's Selection Shiraz Cabernet

A classic Australian blend with a multi-regional twist: 65/35% Hunter Valley shiraz/McLaren Vale cabernet sauvignon. The wine is powerful and assertive, with a glorious, bright, deep colour. Bursting with ripe mulberries, chocolate, fragrant anise, and spice, displaying a good mix of richness and freshness. Supporting the fleshy palate is a defined frame of plentiful, papery tannins, setting the wine up for a long future. – 97 points, Toni Paterson MW.

Tyrrell's Wines 2023 Vat 63 Winemaker's Selection Chardonnay Semillon

Winemaker's Selection grapes are sourced from the oldest and most iconic vineyards on the Tyrrell's estate. In 2023, the two vineyards were HVD for the chardonnay and Stevens for the semillon. The chardonnay was fermented and matured in French oak, the semillon fermented in stainless steel; two portions were blended in June ’23. This wine has a 'lightness of being' and the restraint is impressive. It is beautifully tight and lemony, with a silky texture and tensioned power. While it can age in the mid-term, it is incredibly delicious in its youth. Take care not to over-chill so as not to lose the nuance of the wine. – 96 points, Toni Paterson MW.

See all Tyrrell's tasting notes here.

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