Tyrrell’s Vat 47 Chardonnay: A Hunter Valley Icon

Tyrrell’s Vat 47 Chardonnay is one of Australia’s most revered Chardonnays, a wine that has consistently showcased the incredible potential of the Hunter Valley for this classic grape variety. The wine is crafted entirely from the Short Flat Vineyard, where the original Chardonnay vines were planted by the legendary Murray Tyrrell in 1968. Over the years, Vat 47 has become a benchmark for Australian Chardonnay, renowned for its balance of richness, elegance, and ability to age gracefully.

The Unique Terroir of the Short Flat Vineyard

What sets Tyrrell’s Vat 47 apart is its unique terroir. The Short Flat Vineyard’s soil profile is distinct from any other vineyard in the Tyrrell’s estate, a factor that imparts a remarkable character to the wine. The dry-grown vineyard’s soil is a combination of sandy loam over clay, offering excellent drainage while retaining enough moisture to nurture the old vines. This dry farming method encourages the vines to dig deep into the soil, developing concentrated fruit that expresses the vineyard’s unique characteristics.

The Evolution of Tyrrell’s Vat 47 Chardonnay: A Vintage Review (2012-2022)

2012 Tyrrell’s Vat 47 Chardonnay

Tasting Notes:
The 2012 vintage presents a rich and complex nose of stone fruits, white peach, and subtle citrus, with an undercurrent of toasty oak. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, with flavours of ripe peach, nectarine, and a touch of lemon zest. The wine’s bright acidity is beautifully balanced by creamy oak and a long, mineral-driven finish.

Food Pairing:
A perfect match for seafood dishes such as grilled prawns or scallops, this vintage also pairs well with roast chicken and creamy pasta dishes.

2013 Tyrrell’s Vat 47 Chardonnay

Tasting Notes:
2013 delivered a more restrained style, with citrus and grapefruit dominant on the nose, accompanied by hints of almond and vanilla. The palate is fresh and linear, with vibrant acidity and flavours of green apple, lemon curd, and a touch of hazelnut from the oak. A more elegant expression compared to 2012.

Food Pairing:
Best enjoyed with fresh oysters or a light lemon and herb chicken, this vintage also pairs beautifully with a delicate risotto primavera.

2014 Tyrrell’s Vat 47 Chardonnay

Tasting Notes:
A vintage marked by finesse and balance, the 2014 Vat 47 offers aromas of white peach, pear, and lemon blossom. The palate is layered, with bright citrus and stone fruit flavours, framed by well-integrated oak and a creamy texture. There’s a touch of salinity that adds complexity, leading to a long, refreshing finish.

Food Pairing:
Ideal with poached salmon or a Caesar salad, the 2014 vintage complements dishes with subtle richness and texture.

2015 Tyrrell’s Vat 47 Chardonnay

Tasting Notes:
This vintage showcases a vibrant nose of citrus, melon, and roasted nuts, with the oak playing a subtle supporting role. The palate is generous yet refined, offering layers of peach, apricot, and grapefruit, balanced by a crisp acidity and a touch of brioche on the finish. It’s a more opulent expression, but with a great acid backbone to keep it lively.

Food Pairing:
Serve alongside a buttery lobster or a creamy mushroom risotto to highlight the wine’s richness and texture.

2016 Tyrrell’s Vat 47 Chardonnay

Tasting Notes:
2016 was a warm year in the Hunter, resulting in a fuller-bodied Vat 47 with ripe peach, mango, and hints of vanilla on the nose. The palate is rich and creamy, with flavours of baked apple, butterscotch, and roasted hazelnuts, balanced by vibrant acidity that lifts the wine’s weight. This vintage is approachable yet structured, with great potential for aging.

Food Pairing:
Perfect for pairing with a roast pork belly or creamy seafood pasta, this vintage complements dishes with both richness and acidity.

2017 Tyrrell’s Vat 47 Chardonnay

Tasting Notes:
A cooler vintage, the 2017 Vat 47 is marked by its elegant restraint. The nose is more citrus-focused, with notes of lemon zest, green apple, and subtle oak. On the palate, the wine is leaner, with a backbone of bright acidity, minerality, and flavours of grapefruit, white peach, and almond. This vintage is beautifully poised, with a long, clean finish.

Food Pairing:
Ideal with light and fresh dishes like ceviche or grilled fish, the 2017 vintage also shines with a simple goat cheese salad.

2018 Tyrrell’s Vat 47 Chardonnay

Tasting Notes:
The 2018 vintage delivers a more opulent style, with aromas of ripe peach, pineapple, and vanilla bean. The palate is rich and creamy, offering layers of stone fruit, tropical notes, and a buttery, toasty complexity from extended oak aging. There’s a fine acidity that cuts through the richness, ensuring balance and freshness.

Food Pairing:
Pair with a classic roast chicken or a rich seafood chowder to match the wine’s bold, creamy texture.

2019 Tyrrell’s Vat 47 Chardonnay

Tasting Notes:
The 2019 Vat 47 is a more restrained and elegant expression, showcasing lemon zest, pear, and subtle floral notes on the nose. The palate is fresh and linear, with vibrant citrus and stone fruit flavours complemented by a delicate touch of oak. The finish is long, with a minerality that speaks to the unique terroir of the Short Flat Vineyard.

Food Pairing:
Best enjoyed with seared scallops or pan-fried halibut, this vintage also pairs well with lightly herbed poultry dishes.

2020 Tyrrell’s Vat 47 Chardonnay

Tasting Notes:
2020 produced a structured, balanced Vat 47, with aromas of white peach, lime, and hints of almond. The palate is both rich and refined, offering flavours of nectarine, lemon curd, and a touch of roasted cashew. The wine’s acidity is well integrated, providing freshness and length to the finish.

Food Pairing:
Pair this vintage with grilled lobster or creamy pasta dishes, such as fettuccine Alfredo, to complement the wine’s richness.

2021 Tyrrell’s Vat 47 Chardonnay

Tasting Notes:
The 2021 vintage is elegant and poised, with a nose of lemon blossom, pear, and a hint of struck match. The palate is fresh and vibrant, offering flavours of citrus, green apple, and a subtle touch of vanilla oak. The wine’s acidity is crisp and linear, with a lingering mineral finish that promises great aging potential.

Food Pairing:
Serve with grilled white fish or a citrus-based salad, and enjoy the wine’s lively, fresh character.

2022 Tyrrell’s Vat 47 Chardonnay

Tasting Notes:
The latest release, 2022, promises to be a classic. Bright and youthful, the wine offers aromas of lime zest, white peach, and a hint of flint. The palate is fresh and focused, with intense citrus and stone fruit flavours, balanced by a creamy oak texture and crisp acidity. A wine with great precision and length, and undoubtedly built for aging.

Food Pairing:
Enjoy with grilled seafood or a roasted chicken with lemon and herbs. The wine’s youthful vibrancy makes it perfect for lighter, zesty dishes.

A Hunter Valley Classic with Timeless Appeal

Over the last decade, Tyrrell’s Vat 47 Chardonnay has demonstrated remarkable consistency in quality and style, while also reflecting the subtle differences of each vintage. From the elegance and restraint of cooler years to the richer, more opulent expressions of warmer seasons, Vat 47 remains a benchmark for Australian Chardonnay. Its ability to age gracefully and develop complex layers over time makes it a must-have for collectors and wine lovers alike.

Whether enjoyed young or with the benefit of cellar time, Tyrrell’s Vat 47 continues please with every sip, offering a taste of the Hunter Valley’s unique terroir and winemaking excellence.

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