Product Description:
The 2018 Thomas Wines Cellar Reserve Braemore Semillon showcases the exceptional pedigree of the Braemore vineyard, one of the Hunter Valley’s most esteemed sites. In a season marked by extended drought, the 2018 vintage produced wines of exceptional concentration, rich fruit flavour, and a long-lived structure. A perfect balance of ripe fruit and natural acidity makes this Semillon a captivating expression of the region’s terroir.
Hand-picked from the Braemore vineyard, the fruit was whole-bunch pressed to minimise phenolic influence, ensuring varietal purity. The wine was fermented in stainless steel and spent just four weeks on its yeast lees before bottling, maintaining the fresh, crisp character of the vintage. This Semillon is poised to age beautifully, offering a harmonious blend of youthful vibrancy and bottle-age complexity.
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.
Tasting Notes
NOSE – Inviting Complexity
A rich and expressive nose of buttered toast, grilled citrus, and poached pear, with hints of fresh citrus and stone fruits layered with dandelion tea, flint, toasted sourdough, and grilled nuts.
PALATE – Silky and Elegant
A seductive, silky texture balanced by a crisp, mouth-watering frame. Flavours of barbecued lemons, baked golden apple, and fresh yuzu fruit provide an elegant balance of freshness and depth.
FINISH – Long and Complex
A seamless, long finish reveals complex notes of toasted pistachio, sourdough crust, and an oyster-shell minerality, inviting another sip.
Reviews + Accolades:
In true Braemore fashion, this cellar reserve wine has incredible intensity; 2018 was a hot, dry vintage, which accounts for the palate's generosity and the boldness of the fruit. You'll find honey, a touch of sweet melon, juicy pineapple and ripe pear notes. Rather than being classical in style, it is weighty, concentrated, assertive and bursting with fruit. This is characterful Braemore with the volume turned up. Serve well chilled. A wine to drink and not hold. - Toni Patterson, Halliday Wine Companion, 94 points.
The Finer Details
Style – White Wine
Varietal – Semillon
Country – Australia
Region – Hunter Valley
Vintage – 2018
Bottle Size – 750ml
ABV – 11.5%
Sale
Sale
