Tyrrell's

Founded in 1858 Founded by Edward Tyrrell, it is one of Australia's most historic and respected estates. Still owned by the family (now Bruce Tyrrell and his children), the domaine embodies a much more fresh, delicate and focused on longevity than the giants of the south.

1. The Absolute Master of Sémillon

If there's only one thing to remember about Tyrrell's, it's their global mastery of the grape variety. Sémillon.

• The unique style: Harvested early with a low alcohol content (often around 10.5% or 11%), the wine is vinified without aging in oak barrels.

• The metamorphosis: In its youth, it is lively, lemony, and vibrant. But after 10, 15, or 20 years in the bottle, it miraculously develops notes of toast, honey, and straw, while remaining incredibly fresh. It is one of the great "miracles" of the wine world.

La cuvée mythical: Vat 1 Sémillon

Considered by many to be the best Sémillon in Australia (and one of the best white wines in the world), the VAT 1 comes from vines planted in 1923 on sandy soils.
Tyrrell's generally only releases Vat 1 after 5 or 6 years of cellar aging, as the wine needs this time to begin to reveal its complexity.

The Hunter's Shiraz: Elegance and Earth

Unlike the massive Shiraz of the Barossa, those of Tyrrell's (and the Hunter Valley in general) are known for their "Burgundian" elegance.

• VAT 9: Their iconic Shiraz, sourced from the finest plots of red soil in domaine.

• Profile : These are medium-bodied reds with silky tannins, notes of red fruit, sweet spices and often a touch of leather or damp earth ("sweaty saddle" is a local term sometimes used to describe this typical earthy character).

The heritage of the "Old Vines"

Tyrrell's owns some of the most vieilles vignes of the region. They have even created a specific range, the "Sacred Sites", originating from plots planted in the 19th century.

• For example, the plot 4 Acres was planted in 1879Drinking a wine from these vines is literally tasting the pre-phylloxera history of world viticulture.