Tyrrell’s Wines Vat 8 Winemaker's Selection Shiraz Cabernet 2023 is a masterfully crafted blend that captures the essence of Hunter Valley’s mature vineyards. This vintage, harvested in mid-March 2023, benefits from a season marked by warm days and cooling nights, producing grapes with ideal ripeness and vibrant acidity.

The wine is a thoughtful fusion of Shiraz and Cabernet parcels, selected specifically for their structure, balance, and harmonious interplay. After gentle destemming and partial whole-berry inclusion, fermentation took place in open fermenters with regular pump-overs to maximize color and flavor extraction. Following a two-week maceration, the wine matured for 12 months in French oak barriques—one-third new—imparting subtle vanilla and cedar nuances.

In the glass, the deep ruby-purple hue is complemented by youthful brightness at the rim. The nose is complex and inviting, revealing core aromas of black cherry and plum intertwined with spicy black pepper and clove. Savory undertones of dried herbs, tobacco leaf, and iron-rich earth meld seamlessly with fine oak notes.

The palate is full-bodied yet poised, showcasing ripe blackberry, dark cherry, and sarsaparilla flavors enlivened by lively acidity. Intriguing hints of game, black olive, and pencil lead add depth, while polished, structured tannins provide a gentle grip. The smooth texture carries the flavor profile into a long, savory finish accented by lingering spice and a subtle leather character.

This Shiraz Cabernet is ideal for cellaring over the next five to eight years, during which time fruit and oak will further integrate and tertiary aromas like cedar, cigar box, and forest floor will emerge. It also offers immediate appeal for those who appreciate dark fruit intensity coupled with savory elegance.

Perfect pairings include grilled rib-eye steak with cracked pepper, slow-roast lamb shoulder with rosemary, or aged cheddar—making it a refined choice for candlelit dinners demanding both richness and finesse.

Key highlights:

• Produced from mature vineyards in Hunter Valley, a region renowned for its warm days and cool nights that enhance grape complexity.
• 12 months maturation in French oak barriques (one-third new) for balanced oak integration and depth.

The 2023 Tyrrell’s Vat 8 Shiraz