Established in 1858 by English immigrant Edward Tyrrell, Tyrrell’s Wines is one of Australia’s pre-eminent family owned wine companies with vineyards extending from their historic home in the Hunter Valley to the Limestone Coast (SA) and Heathcote (VIC). Headed up by fourth generation family member Bruce Tyrrell, Tyrrell’s is home to some of Australia’s most awarded wines including the iconic Vat 1 Semillon. Since 1971, Tyrrell’s has been awarded over 5,000 trophies and medals and in 2010 was named “Winery of the Year” in James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion. With the fifth generation, Chris, Jane and John, involved in the business, Tyrrell’s will continue to remain family owned with the simple philosophy of producing high quality wine that people love to drink.

The Old Hut vineyard is situated right next to 4 Acres. It was planted in 2003 with cuttings from the 4 Acres vines and features the same soils, which are ideal for growing super-premium Hunter Valley Shiraz grapes. An enticing nose of red berry fruits and spice. The palate is quite similar in style to that of the 4 Acres in the sense that it is medium-bodied and fruit driven, with fine tannin, a soft acid structure and no influence of new oak.

Good depth of purple/red colour. Aromas of dark fruits, dried spices, subtle earthy-graphite notes among its savoury overtones, the palate medium-bodied and soft-textured, very refined, focused and elegant with super-fine tannins and faultless line and length. Seamless. A delightful wine. (Vines planted in 2003 with cuttings from the 4 Acres vineyard which is beside it). Drink: 2020 to 2043; Price: $45.00; Alcohol: 13.5%; Rating: 95 Points; Huon Hooke; The Real Review

Isn’t the Old Hut at Tyrrell’s a wonderful iconic sight? Loam, spice, purple fruit. Medium-bodied, bright, light sandiness to the tannin, good energy, red fruits, pleasant earthiness and a good clean finish. It feels acid driven, over tannin, though tannin is there. The raspberry juiciness is really very appealing. Alcohol: 13.5%; Price: $50; Closure: Screwcap; Drink: 2020-2028+; Rated: 93 Points; Gary Walsh; The Wine Front