Description
“Hunter Valley semillon is one of Australia’s few unique wines, and Thomas’ Braemore is, simply, one of the best.” Huon Hooke, The Real Review
Thomas Wines is not only one of the Hunter Valley’s most renowned winemakers, but nationally and internationally acclaimed for it’s exceptional, single vineyard Hunter Valley wines. Thomas wines have gained somewhat of a ‘cult status’ for its small range of personality imbued wines, many of which offer both pure current drinking pleasure, as well as remarkable cellaring potential.
The first vintage was produced in 1997, with an absolute focus and determination to specialise in producing top shelf examples of the two signature varieties of the Hunter Valley, semillon and shiraz.
Over the years Thomas Wines have gathered an impressive folio of local growers, who each own and operate arguably some of the Hunter valley’s most distinguished sites, producing world class, uniquely regional styles. Each wine showcases it’s unique vineyard signature and expresses a real sense of place. Kiss shiraz and Braemore semillon sit at the top of an impressive range, many of which have become modern benchmarks for the Hunter Valley.
Having previously spent 13 years learning and applying his craft at Tyrrell’s, owner and winemaker Andrew Thomas now has over two and half decades of winemaking experience in the Hunter Valley. It’s the no compromise, attention to detail approach to his winemaking that has seen him named as 2014 Hunter Valley Winemaker of the Year (having also previously won the award in 2008), as well as contributing to an impressive mantle piece of wine show trophies and medals, and enviable critical acclaim.
From the winemaker about this wine: “The Braemore vineyard, planted 1969, is situated on the sandy alluvial flats of Hermitage Road, Pokolbin, and consistently produces Semillon featuring freshness, vibrancy and remarkable longevity. This wine has achieved an enviable reputation in recent years as being one of the finest examples of classic Hunter Valley Semillon.
“The Cellar Reserve Braemore Semillon matures in our climate controlled cellar for six years in bottle prior it’s release. This wine is just starting to emerge with those classic bottle-aged Hunter Semillon complexities.”
About this wine: Located in the heart of Hunter Semillon’s dress circle, on the free-draining sandy flats of Pokolbin, Braemore is something of consecrated ground for fans of the variety and region. Having worked with Braemore fruit from his very first vintage (and every year since), when the opportunity to purchase the vineyard arose in 2017, Thomas jumped at the chance. And while today the vineyard contributes to several Thomas’ blends, it is the two wonderful single-vineyard wines—the Braemore Semillon and Cellar Reserve Semillon (released at six years old)—that shine the brightest.
Thomas is one of about 12 producers, including Tyrrell’s, on this narrow, two-kilometre strip of ‘Grand Cru’ Semillon soil. Once an ancient sea floor, the deep, sandy loam is free-draining, allowing the roots to dig deep. The site is renowned for producing some of the finest examples of classic Hunter Valley Semillon and is particularly famed for remarkable longevity. “The thing that sets Braemore apart, what gives it its longevity, is that extra level of intensity and concentration that comes from Semillon grown on this kind of soil,” Andrew explains.
96 points, Toni Paterson, Halliday Wine Companion “Upon a richly flavoured foundation, attractive layers are beginning to build. Intense lemon gelato and lime curd flavours are complemented by a touch of fresh yoghurt and a hint of gunflint. The palate has fabulous generosity, improving the longer it sits in the glass. Take care not to over chill.” May 2025.
96 points, Huon Hooke, The Real Review “Light, bright yellow; the bouquet suggests lemon-pudding and Sunlight Soap and is faintly buttery, with a grassy/fresh green herb background, while the palate has vibrant acidity that contributes to a clean, firm finish. Reserved and classic, with terrific fruit purity. It’s a beautiful drink right now but further ageing will work to its advantage.”
RRP $79 Our Special Price $64.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine
