Product Description
The 2024 Braemore Semillon is a vibrant, fresh, and incredibly pure expression of Hunter Valley Semillon, sourced from the iconic 55-year-old Braemore vineyard. Located on the sandy alluvial flats of Hermitage Road in Pokolbin, this vineyard is one of the region's most celebrated sites, producing wines known for their energy, precision, and remarkable longevity. The 2024 vintage is particularly special, as it marks the 25th consecutive vintage from this prized vineyard. A warm, dry growing season led to a lower crop, but the result is a wine of incredible depth, intensity, and purity, with a generosity of fruit that balances perfectly with its classic, crisp structure.
The wine was fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged in large oak casks, contributing to its texture and complexity while preserving its fresh, varietal character. The 2024 Braemore Semillon showcases a vibrant profile, with lively acidity and an exquisite balance of fruit and minerality. With its immediate appeal and remarkable aging potential, this is a wine that can be enjoyed in its youth or cellared for years to come, developing even greater complexity and depth over time.
Farming Practices – Organic (non-certified)
Drink Window – 2024-2035
Food Pairings – Perfect with fresh seafood, oysters, grilled fish, or light poultry dishes. It also pairs beautifully with soft cheeses, vegetable terrines, or a simple charcuterie platter. This wine's fresh acidity also makes it a great match for dishes with citrus-based sauces or fresh herb garnishes.
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. Over the years, some of the original vines have been replaced, and during the 2023 vintage, Andrew’s team handpicked the ‘rogue’ Chardonnay vines that had been mistakenly planted within the Semillon vineyard. The resulting wine from these vines was fermented separately, blending beautifully with the Semillon, contributing complexity and richness. The Braemore Semillon vineyard has been farmed organically since 2000, ensuring the fruit's purity and balance. This attention to detail allows Andrew to create wines with both immediate appeal and the ability to age gracefully.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Lime Zest, Granny Smith Apple, Honeysuckle
The 2024 Braemore Semillon opens with an enticing bouquet of zesty lime, fresh Granny Smith apple, and a delicate hint of honeysuckle. These primary aromas are beautifully complemented by a faint minerality, indicative of the Braemore vineyard's terroir, which adds depth and intrigue to the nose.
Palate
Tahitian Lime, Yuzu, Chamomile, Lemon Sorbet
On the palate, the wine is lively and refreshing with vibrant citrus flavours, including Tahitian lime and yuzu, alongside crisp apple. A subtle infusion of chamomile and lemon sorbet adds an elegant touch, while the wine’s texture is round and mouthwatering. The taut acidity is balanced by a rounded fruit core, making it incredibly approachable yet complex.
Finish
Crystalline, Clean, Long Finish
The finish is clean and precise, with a crystalline quality that showcases the wine's purity. The lingering notes of lime and a touch of wilted herbs leave a lasting impression, while the vibrant acidity ensures a long, mouthwatering finish. This is a wine that not only offers immediate enjoyment but also has the potential for further development in the cellar over the next decade.
The Finer Details
Style – White Wine
Varietal – Semillon
Country – Australia
Region – Hunter Valley
Vintage – 2024
Bottle Size – 750ml
ABV – 12.2%
Oak – Aged in large oak casks for 4 weeks
