Old Winery Chardonnay 2023

Located in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales, Tyrrell's vineyards benefit from a warm, temperate climate, moderated by coastal breezes from the Tasman Sea. The grapes for the Old Winery Chardonnay are sourced from select parcels in this historic Australian wine region, complemented by grapes from cooler coastal vineyards. The diverse soils, a blend of heavy clay, silt, and alluvial sand, allow for even ripening and a balanced expression of the Chardonnay, with lovely natural freshness and good aromatic intensity.

The grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness and then gently pressed before fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the fresh, fruity aromas typical of Chardonnay. Malolactic fermentation is partially blocked to maintain vibrancy. Aging takes place primarily in stainless steel tanks, with a short period on fine lees to add volume and a more supple texture, while maintaining the modern, balanced, and approachable style characteristic of this Australian wine.

This wine reveals notes of white peach , ripe pear , and citrus , complemented by delicate floral touches and a subtle vanilla character resulting from partial aging in oak. A mineral nuance is also perceptible, adding tension to the whole. On the palate, the wine is supple and ample, supported by a fresh acidity that balances the richness of the fruit, with a creamy texture, minimal tannins, and a medium to long, clean, and harmonious finish.

Australia began producing wine more than two centuries ago. This has resulted in a country rich in old vines, multigenerational winemaking families, and a deep-rooted knowledge and respect for craftsmanship. Add to this a thirst for exploration and innovation, a fearless attitude, and a diverse portfolio of 65 wine regions across a wide range of climates, and you have the makings of an extraordinary wine nation. Australia burst onto the export scene in the 1980s and has since been offering the world vibrant, fruity, and exceptionally good-value wines. Until the late 1990s and early 2000s, the history of Australian wine was dominated by examples of Shiraz, Grenache, and overly concentrated red blends. Between these two extremes lies the diverse range of high-quality Australian wines and regional wines that has always existed. Australian viticulture is concentrated primarily along the southern coastline where conditions are cooler. There are four main wine regions, each centered around major cities: Western Australia around Perth, South Australia around Adelaide, Victoria around Melbourne, and New South Wales around Sydney. The country is one of the world's largest wine producers and was the fourth-largest exporter in 2011. This recent development has made Australia one of the most prominent countries for the quality of its wines. You can taste Australian wines throughout the country. Each Australian region has its own grape varieties. Australian wines are defined by their grape variety, unlike French wines, which are defined by their terroir.