2023 Thomas Wines Fordwich Hill Semillon, Hunter Valley

It is upbeat and vivacious with gorgeous tropical characters. Feijoa, green mango and just-ripe papaya flavours combine to create a joyful, zippy wine bursting with appeal. Sourced from the Broke Fordwich region of the western Hunter Valley, where the rich volcanic soils produce a unique style of semilllon. Easy drinking, delicious and top value. Drink to 2027.

93 points & Special Value Toni Paterson for Halliday Wine Companion, May 2024

Pale appearance; very clean, fresh and fragrant aromas; delicate and soft in the mouth, more ample and easygoing within the realm of young Hunter semillon, and finishes a trifle short. Made as a riper, more up-front style. Drink to 2031.

90 points Huon Hooke for The Real Review, June 2023

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.

This single-vineyard Semillon is drawn from the Fordwich Hill Vineyard situated on the western fringe of the lower Hunter Valley. This area experiences slightly lower annual rainfall than the rest of the region. Unusually for Thomas Semillon soils, which are generally lighter, here they are rich, red, deep and volcanic with flecks of ironstone throughout and this, coupled with the longer hangtime preferred by Thomas for this site, tends to produce a riper, more generously proportioned style of Hunter Semillon. The fruit was fermented in stainless steel and spent a few weeks on lees before being bottled.