Tyrrells Vat 47 Chardonnay 2023
- 95
- $110
- Drink by: 2025-2037
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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.
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.
