CHRIS Tyrrell, a fifth generation offspring of the Tyrrell winemaking family dynasty, was in Malaysia recently to share his passion for wines.
StarMetro was given the privilege to join him on a wine and dine dinner recently at Overseas Restaurant in Petaling Jaya and to taste five different types of wine paired with a Chinese set menu.
Tyrrell began winemaking at the age of 17 under the guidance of his grandfather, Australian winemaking icon Murray Tyrrell.
In the family business: Tyrrell sharing his passion for wine.“Born in a family with a strong and steady business, you somehow will get involved in it and grow fond of it,” he said.
Currently, Chris is the assistant winemaker at Tyrrell Wines spearheaded by his father Bruce. Also working with him is his mother Pauline and siblings Jane and John.
The first wine that was popped out was the Moore’s Creek Brut NV made from predominantly semillon grapes grown in the Hunter Valley.
“It’s a blend of young and old vintages that ensure consistency in both quality and style. This wine was refined with a natural milk product traditionally used by Tyrrells. Minor, minor traces of it may remain,” he said.
The second was the medium-bodied Old Winery Chardonnay 2009 with aromas of stone fruit and subtle vanillin oak.
“The palate is generously flavoured with white peach citrus characters and a clean, crisp finish.
“It is best served slightly chilled and complements a wide variety of cuisine such as seafood, vegetarian, chicken and creamy sauce pasta dishes,” Tyrrell said.
Then we moved on to the third — Vat 1 Hunter Semillon 2004 — which he referred to as a crackerjack wine.
“The Vat 1 is the older sibling with just that bit extra. The wine is fresh and vibrant, with intense lemony aromas and flavours which are still developing.
“There is a pleasing and refreshing acid backbone that keeps the wine together and will ensure further cellaring. If you must try this now, make sure you leave some in the cellar,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Old Winery Cabernet Merlot 2008 displays a rich ruby colour. Ripe berry fruit and lifted spice are evident on the nose. Chocolate, cassis and blackberry fruit flavours on the palate are supported by a soft lingering tannin finish.
The last wine of the day, Rufus Stone Heathcote Shiraz 2007 was deep rich red to crimson coloured wine with intense with a full nose of ripe plum and dark cherries with a hint of white pepper and sweet vanillin.
“The flavours carry onto the palate which is full of big soft fruit, but balanced by an elegant oak structure and natural acid, resulting in a rich wine with a complex and fresh structure,” he said.
“Our motto is ‘nothing is great unless it is good’ set by my great great grandfather from England. Wine is in our blood and we will continue our legacy to produce wines of individual character, flavour and integrity.
Tyrrell’s have premium vineyards extending from their home in the Hunter Valley to other grape growing regions of Australia including McLaren Vale in South Australia and Heathcote in Victoria, with wines exported to over 30 countries.
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
