2023 Tyrrell’s Vat 47 Chardonnay

The 2023 Vat 47 marks another confident step in the long history of Tyrrell’s flagship Chardonnay. First made in 1971, it was the first commercially released Chardonnay in Australia, and remains a benchmark for the style. Sourced from the Short Flat vineyard, where the original Chardonnay vines were planted in 1968, this wine is a study in balance, texture and quiet complexity.

The season leading into 2023 offered excellent conditions for Chardonnay. Mild temperatures and even ripening allowed for precision picking and fruit of exceptional quality. The wine was fermented and matured in French oak barriques, a portion new, adding subtle spice and creamy integration without overwhelming the fruit.

In the glass, it shows pale straw with a touch of green. The nose is immediately expressive, offering white peach, nectarine and citrus blossom. Underneath, there is fine oak seasoning, lemon curd and a hint of flint. The aromas are layered and inviting, never loud but quietly compelling.

On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and beautifully composed. Stone fruit and grapefruit sit at the core, carried by a line of clean acidity. The texture is gently creamy from oak and lees contact, but always under control. There is structure here, a mineral edge and a long, savoury finish that hints at the wine’s capacity to evolve.

Though delicious now, especially with food, the 2023 Vat 47 has the bones to cellar gracefully over the next 8 to 12 years. With time, it will develop richer notes of nougat, hazelnut and honeyed citrus, while retaining its focus and line.

Pair it with classic dishes like roast chicken with tarragon, grilled lobster, or a creamy mushroom risotto. The wine’s balance of richness and drive makes it incredibly versatile at the table.

The 2023 Tyrrell’s Vat 47 Chardonnay is both a nod to history and a celebration of modern Hunter Valley winemaking. Elegant, confident and quietly powerful, it remains a reference point for Australian Chardonnay.

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