Tyrrell’s Wines Vat 8 Winemaker's Selection Shiraz Cabernet 2023

2023 Tyrrell’s Vat 8 Shiraz Cabernet

The 2023 Vat 8 Shiraz Cabernet is a carefully composed blend showcasing the best characteristics of both varieties. Winemaker’s Selection means a thoughtful combination of parcels chosen for structure, balance and harmonious interaction. Fruit for this release was selected from several mature vineyards across the Hunter Valley and picked in mid‑March 2023, during a season that married generous warmth with cooling nights.

After gently destemming the Shiraz and Cabernet, and retaining some whole berries, the fruit was fermented in open fermenters with regular pump‑overs to extract colour and flavour. The wine spent two weeks on skins before being pressed and transferred to French oak barriques, one‑third new, where it matured for 12 months before bottling in April 2024.

In the glass, the wine is deep ruby‑purple with youthful brightness at the rim. The nose is generous and complex. Core aromas of black cherry and plum meet spicy notes of black pepper and clove. Savoury aromas of dried herbs, tobacco leaf and iron‑rich earth are woven through fine oak impressions of vanilla and cedar.

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied but well poised. Ripe berry fruit is brightened by lively acidity. Flavours of blackberry, dark cherry and sarsaparilla emerge in concert with hints of game, black olive and pencil lead. Tannins are polished and structured with a gentle grip that encourages patience. The texture is smooth and the flavour profile builds steadily into a long, savoury finish with lingering spice and a suggestion of leather.

This wine will benefit from careful cellaring for five to eight years, during which time the fruit and oak will integrate further, and tertiary notes of cedar, cigar box and forest floor will emerge. However, it is also drinking well now for those who appreciate dark fruit and savoury elegance.

Pairing suggestions include grilled rib‑eye steak with cracked pepper, slow‑roast lamb shoulder with rosemary or aged cheddar. Candle‑lit dinners that demand both richness and refinement will suit this wine beautifully.

The 2023 Vat 8 Shiraz Cabernet stands as a serious expression of fusion rather than fusion for its own sake. It reflects both its regional origins and Tyrrell’s commitment to thoughtful winemaking with subtle power, depth and composure.

Tasting Profile

Aroma:

Blackberry, Blueberry, Pepper

Palate:

Blackberry, Fruit Cake, Tobacco

Food Pairings:

Pork

Red Meat