Tyrrells Vat 9 Shiraz 2021

96 POINTS

James Halliday - Halliday Wine Companion

Created in 1962 by the late Murray Tyrrell, and I had became well aware of it by the mid-1960s as my weekend trips to the Hunter became more frequent. The fruit for Vat 9 is hand picked from the best parcels off ancient red clay soils over limestone with a minimum age of 50 years. The wine overflows with lively, spicy fruits that dance in the mouth as the oak joins in the savoury core, reflecting the maturation in 'mostly newer' oak for the usual 14 months. There also appears to be some whole bunches involved.

95 POINTS

Erin Larkin - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2021 Vat 9 Hunter Shiraz is everything we want and expect from quality Hunter Valley Shiraz: medium-bodied, mineral, elegant, saturated with red fruit flavor and layered with exotic spice. The tannins are key to enjoyment here; they are very fine, ductile, almost whippy in shape and texture and show such extreme elegance that one cannot imagine what more one could want from tannins. They serve the fruit perfectly. This will only get better. And better. And better.

94 POINTS

James Suckling

A juicy and fruity shiraz with plums, ripe strawberries and undertones of sliced red meat, terra cotta and orange peel. Medium to full body, creamy tannins and a savory finish. Lovely intensity of fruit and focus.

94 POINTS

Gary Walsh - The Wine Front

Ripe raspberry, baking spice, a little creamy, mixed berries, acidity is clean, tannin a little sticky, but lovely flavour and a good finish. Very nice. Has the plushness that Vat 9 delivers so well. I can’t imagine anyone not liking this wine (well, I can, though there’s likely no help I can offer them).

94 POINTS

Gary Walsh - The Wine Front

Chris Tyrrell commented that reds came in about two weeks later than usual in 2021. Ripe raspberry, baking spice, a little creamy, mixed berries, acidity is clean, tannin a little sticky, but lovely flavour and a good finish. Very nice. Has the plushness that Vat 9 delivers so well. I can’t imagine anyone not liking this wine (well, I can, though there’s likely no help I can offer them).

94 POINTS

Gary Walsh - The Wine Front

Chris Tyrrell commented that reds ca... A subscription to The Wine Front is needed to read reviews and scores. Either log in if you are an existing subscriber, or consider joining via our subscription page - HERE. If you're an existing member who's subscription has expired, then please check your account status HERE. Thank you.