A long time former winemaker at Tyrrell's, Andrew Thomas has long been regarded as one of the Hunter Valley's leading winemakers. With a focus on the region's hero varietals; Semillon and Shiraz, Thomas regularly delivers highly acclaimed benchmark examples. The 2023 Thomas Sweetwater Ridge Shiraz is made from grapes grown in the Belford subregion of the Lower Hunter Valley, the old vines were planted in 1998 and are deep-rooted in the signature red/brown loam over limestone soils of the region. Thomas’s steeply sloped block faces east, providing some protection from the hot afternoon sun. This is flush with dark, broody fruits, savoury spices and woodsy earth. Well-pitched acidity and supporting tannins provide the frame for beautiful mid-palate weight, fleshy dark fruits, baking spice richness and a dense but fine-boned presence. Full of complexity and impact and once again impressive value.
