Tyrrell's 'Vat 1' Semillon 2021

Vat 1 Semillon only ever comes from the oldest and best blocks. The vines are all dry grown, on their own roots, and date back to 1923.

All the fruit was handpicked and carefully sorted in the vineyard. After a relatively cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the wine spent a minimal time on yeast lees before being bottled early to maintain its freshness. No oak fermentation or maturation.

Delicate citrus aromas. The palate has a density and depth of fruit which only comes from special vineyard blocks. This robust fruit profile is balanced by the wines texture and soft acid profile giving it an approachability now, however, will age well into the future.

Alcohol: 11.5%

Cellaring: 15+ years

Winery Note

To paraphrase Chris Tyrrell – ” A pretty good vintage, we’ve never been so deep in the shit and got out of it. A bit of rain for 18 days in December, and a cool summer held back ripeness, though it dried up early January, and while the grapes tasted good, they were a bit green. Then three days over 35 blew it all off and made good. Also, a long hang time helped, as bud burst was late too.” Anyway, my reading is of a fine-boned classic vintage. I like it.

Vat 1 is invariably the pinnacle of Tyrrell’s Semillon releases, and no change here. Floral, vanilla pod, white peach, lime, glossy and ripe but firm acidity, plenty of flavour and so much charm. It’s long. It’s balanced. It’s a beautiful wine of impeccable composition and graceful style. 96 Pts, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front