2025 Tyrrell's Belford Chardonnay, Hunter Valley

Planted in 1991 on the powdery sands of the Belford vineyard, the northernmost site from which Tyrrell’s sources chardonnay. A warm season, with the dry-grown, pristine fruit harvested in late January. Cold-settled, free-run juice started fermentation in stainless steel, then completed fermentation and maturation in French oak. It is a riper, more generous expression of chardonnay. The nose is distinctly spirited, and the palate is richly flavoured with the savoury, spiced, gently nutty oak in harmony with the juicy white nectarine and ripe grapefruit flavours. A beautifully fruit-focused style with intensity, vitality and length. Serve moderately chilled in a large glass to allow the elements to expand and evolve. Drink to 2030.

95 points & Special Value Toni Paterson for Halliday Wine Companion, September 2026

Tyrrell's has been part of the Hunter Valley's winemaking story since 1858, making it one of Australia's oldest family-owned wineries. Five generations of the Tyrrell family have built an extraordinary reputation for producing wines of authenticity, longevity and regional character, with Chris Tyrrell continuing to champion the estate's historic vineyards and traditional approach.

This Chardonnay comes from the Belford vineyard located between Pokolbin and Singleton which Tyrrell’s manages under a long lease contract. First planted in 1933, the Chardonnay block was established in 1991 and features deep alluvial soils that time has reduced to an almost powdery consistency.

The hand-harvested fruit was basket pressed, and the juice cold settled over two days ahead of fermentation in stainless steel. The wine was then matured for nine months in French oak barriques.

The 2025 opens with rich and intense aromatics that spill into the full-flavoured, rich and round palate of stone fruit and honey, supported by light notes of oak and fine acidity.

A lovely, modern take of a much-loved regional style.