2024 Tyrrells Vat 47 Chardonnay, Hunter Valley

A class act, layered and generous with fabulous inherent tension. The flavours sail effortlessly through the palate, enhanced by impossibly classy, fine oak. It has the tone of the warmer year, yet reduced yields have delivered phenomenal concentration, with plentiful poached pear, ripe lemon and white peach fruit, balanced and shaped by a beautiful acid line. It is an aromatically captivating wine of distinction, with succulent flavours and impressive length.

97 points Toni Paterson MW, Halliday Wine Companion 

Vat 47 occupies a special place in Australian wine history. Tyrrell’s first made the wine in 1971, when Murray Tyrrell was among the pioneers proving Chardonnay could produce serious wine in Australia. More than half a century later it remains one of the Hunter Valley’s benchmark whites, now made under the watch of fifth generation winemaker Chris Tyrrell. It is a genuine Australian classic that has never needed to chase fashion.

Fruit comes from Tyrrell’s historic Pokolbin vineyards, where the Hunter’s warm climate and distinctive soils might seem an unlikely home for fine Chardonnay. Yet early picking, old vines and generations of experience give Vat 47 its signature combination of flavour and freshness. The 2024 vintage produced some terrific whites in the Hunter, and here the emphasis is on citrus and stone fruit, restrained oak and a firm acid backbone rather than richness for its own sake.

Bright pale gold, the bouquet starts with white peach, nectarine and lemon curd, joined by grapefruit, citrus blossom and fresh almond. A little time in the glass reveals struck flint, cashew, sourdough and subtle smoky oak. There is lovely weight across the palate without becoming broad or buttery, with peach and citrus wrapped around creamy lees texture. Grapefruit oil and roasted almond add savoury complexity before a long, fresh finish of lemon, flint and gentle toast.

Grilled king prawns with garlic and chilli, steamed coral trout with ginger and spring onion, scallops with sweetcorn and miso butter, roast chicken with tarragon or crab linguine with lemon and parsley. Our pick is the coral trout. Delicate fish, ginger and spring onion with Vat 47’s citrus, subtle oak and creamy texture is a beautiful match.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2038.