Considering the number of wine regions I have visited over the years, some more than once or twice, it is slightly embarrassing for me to admit that I have never been to the Hunter Valley and I really do not know why that is the case.
To remedy that situation, as part of a road trip to a warmer state of our big island, we made the decision to call into the Hunter Valley and, Thomas Wines was always going to be on my list of must visits. Thanks to a good wine friend of ours, Steve Leszczynski (Qwine) we were kindly treated to a tasting at their cellar door. It was an amazing experience, to say the least, and I really feel the need to tell you about it.
Firstly, the cellar door has a modern feel to it yet it is still warm, spacious and inviting. We were met by Belinda and immediately felt welcome. When the conversation started, we knew it was definitely not scripted. It was genuine, humorous and convivial.
Secondly, the tasting experience would have to be one of the best and relaxing we have had and we have been to many cellar doors around Australia. Brodie looked after us and his knowledge of the wines was informative without being too technical, and presented in a fun and inclusive way, so much so it would not intimidate those learning about wine or new to the wine scene.
And last, but by no means the least, the wines. I could easily sum them up in two words. Genuine and exquisite. However, they deserve much more attention to detail than that, just like what the wines receive. We were lucky enough to try five white wines with four of those being Semillon and the other a blend of Semillon and Chardonnay, while seven Shirazes crossed our palates as well.
The 2022 ‘Fordwich Hill’ Semillon is a great introductory wine for those not sure if Semillon is ‘their thing’. It is so approachable in its infancy with the fruit being the star while the acidity is soft and complementary. The 2022 ‘OC’ Semillon is a little more generous on the palate with some good acidity adding zip and freshness.
We were lucky enough to try the, yet to be released, 2023 ‘Braemore’ Semillon which was citrussy and fresh (as you’d expect) with a lovely mouth-watering apple-like acidity. This is going to be a winner! The ‘Vat 32’ Semillon Chardonnay deserves its place in the line-up. I don’t know the percentages of the two varieties that make up the wine but they definitely get on well together resulting in a flavourful, textural and delicious wine.
When it came to the Shiraz line-up, the 2021 ‘Synergy’ is ridiculous value. It’s vibrant, it’s juicy and so adorably drinkable. The 2021 ‘Belford’ and ‘Dam Block’ wines were lovely ‘go-to’ styles while the 2021 ‘Sweetwater’ seemed it would love you to leave it in the cellar for a while. All three had plush fruit, texture, fine tannins and judicious use of oak with the ‘Sweetwater’ having that little extra tannin structure to support cellaring.
The 2021 ‘Elenay’ and ‘Kiss’ Shirazes are truly something. While both wines are elegant and so seamless with great length, the ‘Elenay’ maintains a lovely medium body fruit weight across the palate while the ‘Kiss’ slowly builds to a beautifully balanced intensity.
I would have no hesitation in recommending a visit to this cellar door. It is something you will tell your friends about, and not just those ‘wine boffins’ you know.
Words from a Wine Glass 