Tyrrells Vat 47 Chardonnay 2023

An exceptional Vat 47, the fruit coming entirely from the Short Flat vineyard, which was planted by Murray Tyrrell in 1968, making it some of the oldest and most important Chardonnay plantings in the country. 2023 is proving to be an excellent vintage in the Hunter Valley. Fermentation was finished in French oak barriques before a further stint of maturation. The colour is very pale, almost a watery lemon hue. This is still youthful, but it has punch and precision. A Chardonnay of focus. The nose offers limes and lemons and stone fruit notes, with a touch of nutmeggy oak. The intensity never wavers and there is serious length here. Juicy acidity runs the length and hints of pink grapefruit emerge on the palate, towards the finish. There is already complexity evident here. This will provide pleasure for at least the next twelve years, longer if you’re patient.