Tyrrell's

Vat 47 Chardonnay

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  Vintage 2021
  94 points

The 2021 Vat 47 Chardonnay is sourced from vines planted in the HVD (Hunter Valley Distilling) vineyard by Murray Tyrrell in 1968. (Chardonnay plantings went through a signiJcant boom in Australia at around this time. Early cuttings of Old Foundation Block [UC Davis] clone was Jrst planted in the Swan Research Station vineyard in 1957 and was released for sale in 1964 (later planted up at Gingin, hence the current name), with Tyrrell's in 1968. In 1969, the I10v1 clone arrived in Victoria and was widely planted. These early movements gave way to a proper planting boom in the 1970s, and by 1980, "Australian Chardonnay" in all its (rather unfortunate) 1980s stylistic excess was in full swing.) Back to this wine. Tightly wound and showing the cool balance of the 2021 vintage to great ehect, this has curried mango, white peach, saltbush and brine mingling on the nose, while the palate gives way to a glassy polish and juicy acid line in the mouth. It's a super impressive wine, all the more so given I recently tasted a 2013, which seemed to have not aged a day. Not one single day. Timeless. A conservative score with a "plus," knowing there is much room to move (upward).

• 

  Vintage 2021
  96 points Halliday Wine Companion

Grown entirely on the Short Flat vineyard, planted in 1968. Fermentation kicked off in tank and finished in barrel, assuaging the teeming fruit of the region while imparting tension and verve. This stands aloft. Regal in a Hunter sense, without any forfeit of the regional signature of tangy stone fruits and white-fig riffs. Nougat and cashew, pinioned amidst a steelier framework. This drives long. Thoroughly impressive.