See previous Delectable note in December 2024. Amazingly pale for a 14 year old white. Aromatics of lemon, lanolin and wet straw. It hasn’t yet developed the toasty characters I was expecting, indicating still a long life ahead. Overall this is delicate on a light bodied leanish palate. Only 11% ABV. Lovers of big buttery Chardonnay may not appreciate this wine. 3 bottles left - I will try and have the next one in 12 to 18 months. — 9 months ago


Very surprised when I opened the wine list. My inner geek took over when I saw it was the same wine I consumed last week but a different vintage. A much less open and complex nose than the’11.
In the mouth this wine demonstrated greater freshness than the ‘11. Grapefruit like acidity put the fruit flavors at the forefront. Once again I was a little disappointed with the finish but I think in this case the wine truly needs time to unwind. — 7 years ago
Blinded this with Dad, thought it was like powerful unoaked chard (shows how little semillon we drink), in great shape with good concentration and a litmus for the region. — 7 years ago
Amazing straight from opening — 9 years ago
Nowhere does an aged Semillon like Australia. Full bodied, buttery and glorious! — 9 years ago
Tyrrell’s — Vat 1 Semillon 2018
Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia 🇦🇺
Overview
A benchmark, 100% Semillon from one of Australia’s most historic producers, crafted from old vines in the Hunter Valley, a region globally revered for producing age-worthy, low-alcohol, high-acid Semillon of extraordinary precision and longevity. This cuvée captures purity, tension, and evolution in perfect balance, expressing both site transparency and classic Tyrrell’s restraint.
Aromas & Flavors
Lifted citrus blossom, lemon curd, kaffir lime, and delicate white florals lead the aromatics. Subtle layers of green apple skin, preserved lemon, and faint tropical notes emerge with air. Underneath, a gentle mineral thread, wet stone and crushed river rock, adds depth and quiet complexity without overpowering the fruit.
Mouthfeel
Silky, finely textured, and beautifully tension-driven. Creamy without weight, with linear acidity carrying the wine effortlessly across the palate. The structure feels energetic and precise, offering freshness, elegance, and remarkable drinkability without richness or heaviness.
Food Pairings
Oysters with citrus mignonette. Grilled prawns with lemon butter. Poached halibut with herbs. Sushi and sashimi. Fresh chèvre or lightly aged goat cheese.
Verdict
An exceptional example of New World Semillon executed with Old World discipline. Elegant, mineral-driven, and quietly powerful, this wine delivers layered complexity while remaining feather-light on its feet. A timeless style that continues to reward both immediate pleasure and long-term cellaring.
Did You Know?
Hunter Valley Semillon is famous for being bottled young at low alcohol and evolving dramatically with age, developing toast, honey, and lanolin complexity over decades while maintaining razor-sharp acidity. Tyrrell’s Vat Semillon wines have been among Australia’s most collectible and ageworthy whites for generations.
🍷 Personal Pick
Pure nostalgia in a glass. This wine reconnects me with the region that sparked my early love for Australian whites, refined, disciplined, expressive, and endlessly drinkable. A masterclass in tension, restraint, and terroir clarity. This is Semillon at its highest form. — 5 months ago
First Australian Shiraz I have had in ages. It was recommended as an exception to the usual 16% bruisers that we’ve all encountered. This one at 13.5% was super juicy - bursting with black and blue berries, slight forest floor, and wet concrete. Medium acid and tannin, with a fresh finish. I doubt I would have called Syrah if had blind, this comes across as just well made and balanced red wine. Simple but with impressive purity of fruit. — 4 years ago
Carmelized pineapple, toasted hazelnut, smoked almond, olive brine, apple skin, salty acidity, full body — 7 years ago
So perfect
You have the fruit, the mineral (my God the searing, tingling mineral of this wine 🙏), the complexity of a developed Meursault(🙃), the length of a great wine and the enjoyment you rarely find in any of your activities
Definitely at peak, but it might stay in this stage for a while
No signs of decay 🔝🔝🔝🔝 — 7 years ago
Outstanding mid aged Hunter Semillon. Extremes fresh, crisp and very, very good. Great life. - Phil Laffer — 9 years ago
Fun but past it’s prime — 2 years ago
Oak, lime like herb in aroma. Rich, citrus, white flowers. Citrus, comfortable acidity. Each factor in the taste is showing the feature clearly. From Hunter valley which is an initial place for wine in Australia. Vat 47 Hunter Chardonnay Tyrrell’s 2018 @7546, Toscany JH, 231028-231111 — 3 years ago
Bussaracum — 7 years ago
16.5/20 (90/100) — 9 years ago
Thomas Hillskog
Still fresh and fruity with with typical, complex maturity flavours. — 3 months ago