2022 Tyrrell's Vat 9 Shiraz

First created back in 1962, the historic Tyrrell’s Vat 9 label represents the absolute pinnacle of the family's Ashmans property. The 2022 release relies heavily on dry-farmed heritage plots like Weinkeller and Short Flat, where the vines are a minimum of 50 years old and dug deep into red clay over limestone.

The Tyrrell’s team are the undisputed masters of classic, mid-weighted Hunter Shiraz, and their work in 2022 is pure class. Handpicked and sorted in the vineyard, the distinct blocks were fermented in open-top vats before spending 14 months maturing in massive 2,700-litre French oak casks. This large-format wood approach ensures the vibrant fruit is never masked by heavy toast or sweet vanilla.

It has a complex, savoury nose of dark plum, cracked cacao, and a distinct rocky, earthy edge. On the palate, it delivers intense fruit without ever feeling thick or unctuous, with long-stretch tannins backed by a cool line of acidity that gives the wine superb lift and verve.

97 points
"This wine upholds its regal status as one of the finest reds from the region. Multilayered and serious, you'll find concentrated flavours laced within a velvety frame."
- Toni Paterson (Halliday Wine Companion)

96 points
"A great example of the medium bodied elegance of classic Hunter shiraz."
- Huon Hooke (The Real Review)