Overview
Vat 47 is one of Tyrrell's most celebrated white wines and an important name in the history of Australian Chardonnay. An early Australian expression influenced by Burgundian winemaking methods, it has developed from an initially unconventional style into one of the producer's most recognised wines. The 2019 vintage combines the natural generosity of Hunter Valley Chardonnay with freshness, texture and measured oak.
Vineyard
Vat 47 is sourced entirely from Tyrrell's Short Flat Vineyard in the Hunter Valley. The original Chardonnay vines were planted by Murray Tyrrell in 1968, and the dry-grown vineyard has a distinctive soil profile that contributes to the wine's individual character.
Winemaking
The 2019 vintage was fermented in a combination of stainless steel and French oak barriques, with partial wild fermentation. It was matured for nine months in barriques, of which 20% were new.
Critic Reviews
95 Points — Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
Tasted May 2020
“Smooth and glossy texture, but refined too, with fine acidity, lime and peach, a dusting of spice, vanilla and cashew. It’s lively, balanced, runs from front to back palate without raising a sweat, so calm and composed, and closes long and juicy, a wee bit of dried herb and green olive in the aftertaste.”
Drinking Window: 2020–2030
94 Points — Tom Cannavan
Tasted January 2022
“A glint of green to the colour here, and a fine, subtly nutty nose, something gastronomic, almost like a fruity olive oil, and ripe pear and melon fruit. The palate has a terrifically sparky line of acidity that is juicy, citrus-fresh and yet sweetly rounded too. The fruit has plenty of mandarin orange brightness, lovely succulence and texture, but a beautifully focused, smile-inducing and approachable style.”
94 Points — Falstaff
Tasted January 2022
“Bright, lemony citrus aromas with a touch of hazelnut and engaging, rich, spice notes. A toasty character emerges on the palate, accompanied by a subtle tangerine flavour that gently expands to give generous mouthfeel that's cut through with energetic acidity, before culminating with a long, toasty finish.”
93 Points — Ned Goodwin MW, James Halliday's Wine Companion
Published December 2020
“This is always a rewarding wine. A measured take on the Hunter's proclivity for generosity finding confluence with chardonnay's affinity for oak and (partial) wild fermentation. Tropical accents of canned pineapple and dried mango. Vanilla pod oak, nougat, nutmeg and cinnamon. A long, rich sluice of fruit. Oak on the edges. Will gain greater poise in a few years, but loads of fun already.”
Drink by: 2026
Producer
Founded by Edward Tyrrell in the Hunter Valley in 1858, Tyrrell's remains family-owned, with the fifth generation now involved in the business. The family has played an important role in the development of Australian wine, particularly Hunter Valley Semillon and Chardonnay, and Tyrrell's was also a founding member of Australia's First Families of Wine.
Vat 47 holds a significant place in that history. Created as an early Australian attempt to apply Burgundian methods to Chardonnay, including the use of new oak, the wine was initially met with little enthusiasm before developing an international reputation and becoming one of Tyrrell's signature wines.
Specifications
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Vintage: 2019
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Grape Variety: Chardonnay
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Region: Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia
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Vineyard: Short Flat Vineyard
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Alcohol: 13%
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Fermentation: Stainless steel and French oak barriques, with partial wild fermentation
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Maturation: 9 months in barriques, 20% new
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Drinking Window: 2020–2030
