Ken Bray’s Braemore Vineyard in the Hunter Valley is a distinguished site if ever there was one. The fruit grown from its sandy soils has been the source of Pepper Tree’s Alluvius Semillon and in 2009, Meerea Park’s Hell Hole Semillon. But perhaps the man who has made the most of this hallowed ground is Andrew Thomas. This 2012 release is blindingly good.
It’s tight and bright with fantastic citric focus and subtle nuances of bready lees contributing textural interest while tempering the shaft of crystalline acidity which will carry it safely through the years. Intense lemon and lime dominate with hints of straw, rind, chalk and shells. Terrific penetration and thrust not to mention enough length to make you blush. Indulge in a couple of bottles now but whack some in your cellar. There’s no telling how good this could be. 96+ Exceptional
Region: Hunter Valley
Alcohol: 10.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $28
Tasted: October 2012
Alexander Munro routinely made from this vineyard too, but agreed that Mr Thomas usually makes the best of it. I liked this vintage, but not the sort of thing I love in extreme youth. Highly cellar worthy.
“Alluvius” by the way.
MichaelC
Fixed, thank you. Oh for a sub-editor! I’m not usually one to drink Hunter Semillon on release but I did enjoy this immensely even in its youth. Thommo’s Sems often seem more enjoyable than most as young wines IMO – but, yes, I still prefer them with age.
Cheers
J
I’m going to be drinking a fair bit of young-ish stuff in the Hunter in December. It will be a learning curve. An intentional one. Possibly I will have no teeth left after the experience. Anything for science! Master, master, I nominate myself for a sacrifice!
MichaelC