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.

Planted in 1991, the soil of the dry grown Belford vineyard is light and sandy – the consistency of talcum powder – for the top 50 centimetres. It is the northern-most of the Tyrrell’s Hunter Valley vineyards. 

The vineyard is the northernmost of the estate vineyards, planted on light, almost talc-like sandy soils. After basket pressing, fermentation was initiated in tank and completed in French oak (15% new, the used portion largely barriques). Whether semillon or chardonnay, Belford vineyard has a sense of place. It is unlike peers thanks to its multilayered, tangy fruit with a hint of blood orange (both skin and flesh). Outstanding value. Date: Dec 2022; Alcohol: 12.5%; Price: $45.00; Drink by: 2035; Rating: 97 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion