Thomas Wines
Thomas Wines is not only one of the Hunter Valley’s most renowned winemakers, but nationally and internationally acclaimed for it’s exceptional, single vineyard Hunter Valley wines. Thomas wines have gained somewhat of a ‘cult status’ for its small range of personality imbued wines, many of which offer both pure current drinking pleasure, as well as remarkable cellaring potential.
Winemakers Comments
Another individual vineyard Hunter Valley shiraz in our range, this one hailing from a vineyard located at Sweetwater Ridge in the northern (Belford) end of the Lower Hunter Valley. Planted in 1998, the red/brown loamy soils over limestone are what give this wine its distinctive floral lift and character. The relatively vigourous vines are usually crop thinned to around 4 tonnes per Hectare each year which ensures even ripening and produces wonderfully concentrated fruit.
Whether you put it down to good luck or good management, the 2013 Sweetwater shiraz was picked just before the rain that we experienced in mid February. The fruit was fully ripe and in excellent condition. The fermentation was allowed to get quite warm at the start and then cooled towards the finish to ensure we achieved the right tannin structure and maximum colour. The inclusion of 10% whole bunches into
the fermentation has added a subliminal stalky complexity. Matured in French (92%) and American (8%) oak barriques for 15 months.
Tasting Notes
The Sweetwater shiraz is a deeply layered wine of exceptional vibrancy and brightness delivering a velvet smooth, contemporary expression of Hunter Valley shiraz. The nose displays the signature violet and red berry fruit characters of this vineyard, whilst the medium bodied palate is framed by a silky tannin structure, and extends through a long and savoury finish.
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