Product Description
The 2022 Thomas Wines Kiss Shiraz is a beautifully structured wine that combines the depth and complexity of the winery’s flagship Shiraz with an accessible price point. Sourced from the Dam Block, just across from the old-vine Kiss Shiraz, this wine exhibits the same dark, rich fruit characteristics and distinctive savory texture that define its pedigree, with a refined structure and a touch of minerality.
The 2022 vintage was marked by early and mid-season rainfall, delaying ripening and providing an opportunity for careful vineyard management. With a meticulous green crop thinning process, 30% of the fruit was removed to allow the remaining grapes to reach full ripeness. The result is a wine with balanced acidity, fresh fruit character, and soft tannins, ideal for both immediate enjoyment and medium-term cellaring.
Maker
Andrew Thomas, the founder and winemaker behind Thomas Wines, was destined for a career in wine, given his family’s deep roots in the industry. His father, Wayne Thomas, had a distinguished career in McLaren Vale, where Andrew’s passion for fine wine began. Despite early training for a possible winemaking career in South Australia, Andrew's fascination shifted towards the more subtle, savoury wines of the Hunter Valley. After completing his Oenology degree at Roseworthy Agricultural College, Andrew honed his winemaking skills under the mentorship of the legendary Murray Tyrrell at Tyrrell's Wines, where he learned the intricacies of Hunter Valley’s signature varieties, Semillon and Shiraz.
Andrew’s drive to create world-class wines under his own label led to the founding of Thomas Wines in 1997. Since then, he has developed close relationships with local growers, working with some of the most distinguished vineyards in the Hunter Valley. His focus has always been on crafting wines that showcase the unique expression of each vineyard. With meticulous attention to detail, Andrew continues to create wines that are a true reflection of their terroir, maintaining a commitment to producing wines of exceptional quality and regional character.
Philosophy
Andrew Thomas believes that great wine begins in the vineyard. His winemaking philosophy centres on simplicity and preservation – letting the potential quality from the vine shine through to the bottle. Over the years, he has built his winemaking approach around respecting the integrity of the vineyards, with a no-compromise attitude towards vineyard practices and minimal intervention in the cellar. Andrew says, “The key to great wine is ‘keeping it simple,’” which allows the natural characteristics of each vineyard to come to the forefront.
The Braemore vineyard, planted in 1969, is a prime example of Andrew’s commitment to preserving quality in the vineyard.
Tasting Notes
NOSE – Fruit & Spice
A tantalising nose of fresh red and black berries, potpourri, espresso, and bitter chocolate. Subtle hints of liquorice, pastille, and graphite lend a minerally edge, adding complexity to the aromatic profile.
PALATE – Structured & Vibrant
The palate is framed by fine tannins and refreshing acidity, showcasing a core of intense blackberry, dark plum, and black cherry fruits. Flavours of liquorice and graphite emerge, providing a savoury finish.
FINISH – Savoury & Smooth
The finish is long and smooth, with layers of dark fruit and mineral notes, leaving a lasting impression of depth and elegance.
The Finer Details
Style – Red Wine
Varietal – Shiraz
Country – Australia
Region – Hunter Valley
Vintage – 2022
Bottle Size – 750ml
ABV – 14.5%
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