2019 Thomas Wines Braemore Cellar Reserve Semillon, Hunter Valley

Light, bright yellow; the bouquet suggests lemon-pudding and Sunlight Soap and is faintly buttery, with a grassy/fresh green herb background, while the palate has vibrant acidity that contributes to a clean, firm finish. Reserved and classic, with terrific fruit purity. It's a beautiful drink right now but further ageing will work to its advantage. Drink to 2035.

96 points Huon Hooke for The Real Review, December 2025

Upon a richly flavoured foundation, attractive layers are beginning to build. Intense lemon gelato and lime curd flavours are complemented by a touch of fresh yoghurt and a hint of gunflint. The palate has fabulous generosity, improving the longer it sits in the glass. Take care not to over chill. Drink to 2029.

96 points & Special Value Toni Paterson for Halliday Wine Companion, May 2025

The 1969 planted Braemore vineyard is on sandy alluvial flats next to Hermitage Road in Pokolbin. The highly regarded site is one of the most consistent sources of high-quality Semillon fruit in the region, with fruit retaining excellent natural acidity even in warm and dry years like the 2019.

The fruit for this wine was picked on the 1st of February, whole bunch pressed and fermented in stainless steel with a cultivated neutral yeast. The wine then spent four years on lees before it was fined in preparation for bottling. This Cellar Reserve release then matured in bottles in the climate-controlled cellars of Thomas Wines.

About this producer

Thomas Wines was established in 1997 by winemaker and Tyrrell’s alumnus Andrew Thomas in 1997. Today, eldest son Dan works along his father, their focus remaining firmly on premium Hunter Valley Semillon and Shiraz.