2026 Thomas Wines Braemore Semillon, Hunter Valley

Trophy Best Current Vintage Semillon Hunter Valley Boutique Wine Show

Braemore Semillon is one of the great bargains in Australian wine. Right now, $40 buys you perfection, though should a price rise ever occur, it would be entirely justified. The warm season delivered textbook ripeness and magnificent flavour intensity. Lime blossoms, lemon balm, pink grapefruit and freshly cut green apple, underpinned by a cool riverstone base. The wine has both approachability and tension, with moderate natural acidity and subtle juiciness. For a young semillon, it is firing straight out of the blocks, with layers of interest and appealing weight. It has head, heart and a long, mesmerising tail, and is a fitting expression of site, variety, maker and vintage. This is the 27th consecutive bottling under the Thomas label and undoubtedly one of the season's best buys. Gorgeous now, though also cellarworthy. Simply outstanding. Drink to 2036.

97 points Special Value Toni Paterson MW, November 2026

Pale colour with aromas of dusty straw and dry leaf litter, a hint of lemon blossom, the palate likewise bone-dry and chalky textured, with a well-judged touch of phenolics in its mouth-feel and a clean, dry finish that lingers. Seamless acidity and a long carry. This will reward some cellar time. Drink to 2038.

94 points Huon Hooke for The Real Review, November 2026

The 1969 planted Braemore vineyard is on sandy alluvial flats next to Hermitage Road in Pokolbin and is one of the most consistent sources of high-quality Semillon fruit in the region.

The fruit for this wine was handpicked between the 22nd the 30th of January, 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.

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.