Wines Hunter Valley Tyrrell's - Vat 91 Chardonnay - 2024

Viniou Reviews

Tyrrell’s Vat 91 Chardonnay 2024 hails from the heart of the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, a region long celebrated for its unique approach to Chardonnay. Crafted from select parcels, this dry white stands as a fine representative of both grape and terroir. The 2024 vintage benefits from a balanced growing season, with enough warmth to gently ripen the Chardonnay grapes while retaining freshness. Fermentation and maturation likely occur in a carefully judged mix of stainless steel and French oak, allowing the wine to express elegant citrus and white-fleshed fruit aromas alongside subtle, creamy undertones. The palate tends towards restraint and liveliness, with ripe lemon, white peach and flinty nuances, finished by an integrated, gentle oak structure.

The Hunter Valley is the oldest wine region in Australia, renowned for its rich winemaking heritage dating back to the early 19th century. The area’s warm, humid climate is tempered by cooling breezes and well-draining sandy and volcanic loam soils — factors that lend Hunter Chardonnay its distinctive vibrancy and moderate alcohol. While globally famous for its Semillon, the region’s top Chardonnays combine Old World finesse with New World fruit purity, reflecting both tradition and modern winemaking expertise.

In terms of food pairings, this Chardonnay’s crisp acidity and subtle oak make it an excellent companion for diverse dishes. Consider serving it alongside grilled barramundi, a lean roast chicken with tarragon, or shellfish risotto to echo the wine's freshness and delicate structure. For a local touch, a prawn and avocado salad or Sydney rock oysters with a lightly zesty vinaigrette will play beautifully with its mineral drive.

To appreciate the full bouquet and textural elegance of Tyrrell’s Vat 91 Chardonnay 2024, serve it chilled but not too cold. A temperature between 10 and 12°C is ideal, allowing both the fruit and the oak-derived notes to reveal themselves gracefully as the wine opens in your glass.