The uniqueness of Hunter Valley Shiraz in the Australian wine industry cannot be understated. In good years, it can be incredibly long-lived. 1975 was such a year and, according to the great Murray Tyrrell, rivalled 1965 as a classic. It should be noted, however, that Murray was prone to talking up the virtues of every Hunter vintage. That being said, he may well have got this one right.
Rita and I had the opportunity to enjoy a bottle of the 1975 Tyrrell’s Vat 8 Hunter Valley Dry Red (made from Shiraz) earlier this week. My tasting note is as follows:
‘At 41 years of age fully mature but still lively with deep scarlet colour and black truffle aromas. This well balanced delicious shiraz, with its savoury palate, subtle power and great length, demonstrates the heights shiraz can achieve from the Hunter in a superb year, over decades in bottle. Similar to an excellent bottle of Chave Hermitage at this age with a wondrous combination of black fruits, soft dusty tannins, sweet and sour balance just right, meaty earthy complexity yet clean; just superb.’
