Tyrrell's Sémillon Vat 1

The beginning of Dr Pete (Polar) Old Australian Wine Tasting. Quite pale Lemon in colour. Not giving a lot on the nose for 16 year old wine. Developing waxy lanolin notes with citric acid. Still with a good future before developing those toast and honey notes of mature Hunter Semillon. Thanks Jim.

Crazy-bright citrus white that everyone in our blind tasting confused with a young SauvBlanc. Difference after discussion: there’s no grassy component. There might only one HV Semillon in Dallas (TotalWine). Very much worth seeking out.

The first of 2 Australian Icons from late last Century - 1999 ;) Crystal clear mid Lemon verging on pale Gold. Aromas of Lemon Bees Wax and Lanolin with a hint of honey - all the hallmarks of aged Hunter Valley Semillon. Better than the 2000 vintage of the same wine had recently. I have one left from a dozen bought on release. Will leave for at least 3 to 5 years - into its 3rd decade.

Pale to mid Gold in colour. On opening an oxidative Sherry like smell which thankfully blew off. An example of an old white that needed decanting. After a few minutes a lovely lemon minerality wet sand bouquet. On the palate delicious lemony honeyed notes which had developed from the hay and lanolin of its youth. The thing about Hunter Valley Semillon is when it is young with its mouth searing acidity fermented in stainless steel it’s almost undrinkable but after 10 years it puts on weight and becomes this lovely honeyed creation. Skilled MWs in London when they were coming to grips with the style would swear there was Oak influence when there was none. Aged HV Semillon is one of the worlds great wines - an 18 year old Vat 1 is right up there. An excellent match with 12 fresh Coffin Bay (SA) Oysters on Good Friday. Only 11.2% Alcohol.

Can tell this is a very good quality wine...personally though, too many hay, grassy and lees aromas for my liking.

At birthday lunch last November. Aged Hunter Valley Semillon is always special. At 15 years of age when we drank it it was just developing honey and toast characters. Unique.

Mid Gold in colour. Notes of Lanolin Wet Hay and Beeswax. Full mouthfeel and still with good acid giving this a 5 year future - maybe more. A brilliant old Hunter Valley Semillon.

Dick had this 2 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.

Quite light straw colour . Slightly waxy toasty notes , lime cordial , lemon , white flowers . Really quite young and fresh. On the palate this has high acidity but a creamy , waxy note. Lime , grapefruit , lightly honied palate . Good length and lime, lightly toasty finish. Very fresh and vital . Really young still . From now and over the next 10-20 years .