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 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.
The 2025 Braemore Semillon returns to a more classically shaped style after the riper ’24, displaying all the purity, precision, and promise hallmarks of this pedigree vineyard. Crafted from only the harvest’s finest bunches and whole bunch pressed to minimise phenolics, it’s a model of Braemore’s tendency for fruit intensity and tightly wound energy: a wine that could match Thomas’ “unicorn” 2013 vintage. It’s already doling out the drinking pleasure and, in Andrew’s words, promises to be “an absolute belter for the cellar.”
“Is it possible this vintage could rival the great 2013 vintage Braemore?” Andrew Thomas
A great each-way bet here. You can enjoy this wine now during the freshness and vibrancy of its youth, or cellar for 6 – 20+ years
“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
New release! Review for 2024 … 96 points, Toni Patterson, Halliday Wine Companion “The Braemore vineyard, planted in ’69, is one of the iconic sites in the Hunter Valley, and the wine is beloved for its distinct personality. This brilliant expression showcases the synergy between the vineyard and its maker. The warmth of the season has produced a fabulous fragrance and intense flavours of preserved lemon, passionfruit, lime leaf and a hint of ripe gooseberry. The palate is long and absolutely delicious – a feast for the senses and a joy to drink now or in the future.The Braemore vineyard, planted in ’69, is one of the iconic sites in the Hunter Valley, and the wine is beloved for its distinct personality. This brilliant expression showcases the synergy between the vineyard and its maker. The warmth of the season has produced a fabulous fragrance and intense flavours of preserved lemon, passionfruit, lime leaf and a hint of ripe gooseberry. The palate is long and absolutely delicious – a feast for the senses and a joy to drink now or in the future.”
RRP $45 Our Special Price $37.99 when you buy 6 or more
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.