Description
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.
About this wine: This Shiraz brings together fruit from several old-vine blocks the producer has long worked with. Each vineyard adds its own shade to the blend, creating a wine that is seamless and full of personality.
It’s made using “de-classified” barrels from the single-vineyard wines, so quality is guaranteed. The Synergy sees the same ‘no compromises’ approach throughout the process. Only the best parcels make it in, and the result is a classic regional Shiraz that hits well above its price point. Generous, structured and unmistakably of its region.
About this vintage from the winemaker Andrew Thomas: “The 2024 growing season in the Hunter Valley was defined by a sustained period of dry weather that led to small crops but wines of high quality. The lack of rain, coupled with relatively hot and windy conditions during the critical flowering period, further contributed to the low yields. These factors resulted in accelerated ripening, bringing about one of the earliest starts to harvest for many years. Thanks to the dry weather, viticulturists and winemakers enjoyed a stress-free harvest period, albeit compressed, with harvest concluding in the first half of February, approximately three weeks earlier than 2023
“Part of what makes all our single-vineyard wines such benchmarks for the region is the absolute ‘no compromise’ approach to selecting only the very best barrels. This leaves behind some ‘declassified’ barrels, which we use to create this blend. The 2024 vintage Synergy is a blend of Shiraz from the McKelvey vineyard and some of those ‘declassified’ barrels from Pokolbin Estate and Sweetwater Ridge vineyards (in that order). Each parcel saw a cold soak for 24 hours, followed by stainless steel primary fermentation, and then racked into barrels for malolactic fermentation. Each parcel was raised in French oak 300L Hogshead barrels for 15 months before blending and bottling.
“Immediately fresh with an alluring vivid purple colour. The nose is open and inviting with classic aromas of blue and black fresh fruits and berries with notes of oak spice and even a hint of chinotto. The palate is juicy with a refreshingly medium body, packed with flavours akin to blackberry, mulberry and dark ripe cherries. There is an approachable structure of soft curvy tannin supporting a layer of ruby chocolate, cracked pepper and exotic spice hints. The finish is long and pure with an easy going personality. This wine has youthful vibrancy and appeal but also offers great medium-term cellaring potential. Order a pizza or spark up the BBQ and drink this to your hearts content. This wine is seriously smashable!”
GOLD MEDAL – Hunter Valley Wine Show 2025
95 points, James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion 2024 “The selection of the wines going under this label is achieved by blending a large number of barrels that didn’t have the quality needed for Single Vineyard status. It’s a most attractive wine in the lighter end of medium bodied. It won the Trophy for Best One-Year-Old Shiraz at the Hunter Valley Wine Show ’22, and there’s a rush of spice, tannins and blackberry on the finish. Exceptional value.”
90 points, Aaron Brasher, The Real Review “Really youthful, bright and vibrant in the glass. Lifted aromas of blueberry, blackberry, bramble, wet earth, spice and cedar. Mid-weight, lively and chock full of crunchy red and blue fruits on the palate. There’s a real vividness, purity and drinkability, it will relish some time tucked away.”
RRP $28 *Our Special Price $22.99 when you buy 6 of this wine*
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