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.
About this wine: The Braemore Vineyard, planted in 1969, is widely considered one of the best vineyards in the Valley. It is in the Hunter Semillon dress circle on the sandy alluvial flats of Hermitage Road, Pokolbin. Thomas is one of about twelve producers, including Tyrrell’s, on this narrow, two-kilometre strip of ‘Grand Cru’ Semillon soil. Once an ancient sea floor, the deep, sandy loam soils are free-draining, allowing deep root penetration, which is perfect for the variety. It’s universally accepted that the site produces some of the finest examples of classic Hunter Valley Semillon. It is particularly famed for producing wines of remarkable longevity. Andrew states, “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.”
The various blocks within Braemore Vineyard were handpicked in February. Each batch was meticulously hand-sorted to ensure only the very best fruit went through for pressing as whole bunches to minimise phenolic extraction. After fermentation, the wine spent a few weeks on lees before bottling.
About the vintage from the winemaker: “The 2024 vintage was eagerly anticpated, as it is Thomas Wines 25th consectutive vintage bottling from this iconic vineyard site.
After three years of relatively wet La Nina conditions, the rain certainly eased off from January 2023 right through to the 2024 harvest. We do often experience some windy conditions during August and September in the Hunter Valley, and unfortunately this year the timing of those winds conicided with the flowering period and fruit set for the upcoming vintage. This, together with the vines ‘resting’ after a couple of relatively high yielding vintages led to a 40% crop reduction on the Braemore vineyard in 2024.
The lower crop, and very dry and warm to hot conditions during January, led to one of the earliest and fastest vintages I have experience in my nearly 40 years of making wine in the Hunter Valley … Whilst this vinatge has probably the highest alcohol level we’ve seen over the last 25 years, stylistically the 2024 Braemore has a wonderful generosity of fruit whilst maintaining its classic shape with impeccable purity and precision. The internal concentration and intensity/energy are always a hallmark of this pedigree vineyard, and the 2024 edition is certainly a wine that will provide great current drinking pleasure as well as being an absolute belter for the cellar.”
Vivid, pristine and pure, this screams quality from the first sniff. The 2024 shimmers with citrus and white flowers, underpinned by a mouthwatering mineral line. It’s a delightful nerve ball, crackling with energy and layered with complexity.
“Braemore Semillon is one of the iconic wines of the Hunter Valley. Although delicious in its youth, age reveals the true magic of the Braemore site. It is one of Australia’s best value ‘fine wines’ and an absolute bargain in the broader wine world.” Toni Patterson MW, Gourmet Traveller Wine
Review for 2023 .. 95 Points – Huon Hooke, The Real Review “Very fragrant nose: citrus blossoms and fruits, fresh herbs, gently yeasty; the palate shows a wonderful combination of concentration and refinement. It has more richness and generosity than other 2023 semillons without sacrificing delicacy. Long finish. Seriously promising young semillon.”
RRP $45 Our Special Price $35.99 when you buy 6 or more
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