Tyrrell’s is Australia’s and the Hunter Valley’s benchmark semillon producer. Were you looking for a Hunter semillon, this is where you would start and perhaps end. The Vat 1 is Tyrrell’s top end semillon offering if you have three figures to spend on semillon. This wine however is their “Hunter Valley” semillon which can be found in the $20s. It provides exceptional drinking at this price. Its description follows. The 2019 vintage is yellow in colour in the glass. The wine has aromas of wax, and bees’ wax in particular. It has notes that remind of oak, but of course being Hunter Valley semillon, there is no oak. A faintly floral character completes the aroma. The palate is dry, the acidity high and bracing and the flavours remind of citrus and are neutral in character. I did not record the alcohol, but it would be no more than 11% providing a welcome low alcohol option. I purchased half dozen of these wines. From this tasting, it is plain that I can revisit them and anticipate improvement over the next couple of decades. Excellent drinking. Rating: Very Good (★★★★, 92 points). Website: Tyrrell’s Wines. Tasted: October 2023.
Different vintages of Tyrrell’s semillons are reviewed here:
- Tyrrell’s Wines Hunter Valley Semillon 2016
- Tyrrell’s HVD Vineyard Hunter Valley Semillon 2014
- Tyrrell’s Stevens Vineyard Semillon 2007
- Tyrrell’s VAT 1 Semillon 2000
