97 points - "An outstanding Vat 9, reflecting the strength of the vintage, the component vineyards and the winemaking prowess. Parcels from Short Flat, NVC and 8 Acres vineyards were used, with a minimum vine age of 50 years. It is extraordinarily supple, mouth-filling and moreish, yet still decidedly medium weight. It has incredible flavour concentration, density and gentle succulence. Fine tannins provide appropriate support to the cherry and plum fruit, balanced acidity gives brightness and quality oak introduces a distinct nuttiness. A wine of completeness and harmony, and one to buy and serve with confidence." - Toni Paterson (Halliday Wine Companion)

95 points - "No Weinkeller vineyard this year, just Short flat, 8 acres and NVC. Still, such pedigree. It gets two new 2700 foudre, and a one and three year old too. I think these days, maybe Vat 9 gets overlooked in the rush for the ‘Sacred Sites’, though, I reckon, it’s still the flagship wine, albeit blended to get that classic V9 character. Purple fruit, blackberry, liquorice richness, a bit of vanilla, biscuit and some earthiness. Medium-bodied, but pushing towards full, has typical Vat 9 creaminess and richness to mid-palate, smooth and long, with a light grip to close. Really good. Needs some time to come together, but a very good release." - Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)

Vineyard
Vat 9 Shiraz is sourced from the best parcels on the Tyrrell Estate, ‘Ashmans’. This blend comprises Shiraz from the Short Flat, NVC, and 8 Acres vineyards. These vines are a minimum of 50 years old, with the oldest planted in 1892, grown in red clay soils over limestone.

Vintage Conditions
The 2023 vintage followed a spring with abundant rainfall, providing excellent soil moisture for the dry months of December and January. Harvest was stress-free with no adverse conditions such as rain or heat. The resulting wines are well balanced, complex, and noted for fruit purity—an exceptional Hunter Valley vintage.

Winemaker’s Notes
Handpicked and hand sorted in the vineyard during the third week of February, the blocks were fermented separately in open top vats. The wines were matured in mostly newer 2700L French oak casks until the Vat 9 blend was assembled in November 2023. The final blend was matured for an additional five months before bottling.

Tasting Notes
This vintage shows one of the most intense colours of the 2023 release—glossy, bright, and dense. Aromatics are captivating and complex with dark, sweet fruits, mulberry highlights, and oak spice. The palate is clean, rich, and velvety, with signature Vat 9 length and texture. Impeccably balanced and approachable, yet built for longevity in the cellar.