Tyrrell’s Hunter Valley Shiraz 2019
- 94
- $25
- Drink by: 2021-2036
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2019 was a seriously special Shiraz vintage in the Hunter (yes, I know that this is the region which may have a reputation for crying wolf, but 2017, 2018 and 2019 were all stellar years). This might be an entry level offering from Tyrrell’s but it drinks far above that. Cracking value. They sourced the grapes from some of their top blocks with an average age of forty years. The fruit was destemmed but not crushed, which ensures a high percentage of whole berries reach the fermenter. Maturation was in large old French casks (2,700 litres).
A magenta/crimson colour, the nose is complex, even at this early stage. Notes of tobacco leaf, warm earth, red fruits, a hint of animal skins and roast meats. Lots to love here. Even a touch of mushrooms emerge. Seamless, with a flick of red apple. On the finish, there is a hint of almond/sour cherries, which lingers beautifully. Drink it now or cellar it for ten to fifteen years. Great value from a great vintage. Put a couple of cases deep in the cellar.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
