Winemakers Comments

Hunter Valley Semillon is one of the world's most uniquely regional wine styles. The 52-year-old Braemore vineyard (planted 1969) is situated on the sandy alluvial flats of Hermitage Road, Pokolbin, and consistently produces Semillon featuring freshness, vibrancy, and remarkable longevity.

This wine is not like that at all. It's the same, but different.....

Introducing the fourth vintage installment of Thomas Wines “Like a Version” Braemore Semillon, which each year has been made by a guest winemaker given a simple brief to produce a left field/cover version of our more classically styled Braemore Semillon. Essentially, it’s an exploration into the world of minimal input ‘natural’ wacky wines using grapes from one of the Hunter Valley’s most iconic Semillon vineyards.

The 2023 vintage release is a sweeeet collaboration between winemakers Daniel Thomas (Thomas Wines) and Reid Bosward (Barossa Valley) who together, have produced arguably the most intriguing 'cover version' Braemore Semillon to date

Fruit from our last pick of the season was sent to the press as whole bunch and squeezed straight into tank. With no enzyme addition to aid in settling, some solids remained in suspension when yeast was added for fermentation. This decision was made in an attempt to capture some of the savoury and textural qualities of the Braemore fruit. To further punctuate this more overt style, yeast lees remained in tank for almost four months and was stirred through weekly.   

Tasting this wine alongside our Braemore Semillon provides an absolutely compelling comparison.
The 23 "Like a Version" is a slightly funky, more open and textural expression than our classically shaped Braemore.

Only 160 dozen produced.

Tasting Notes

A more savory than fruit driven Semillon.
Its colour is a bright very pale lemon. The nose is vibrant and enticing hinting at fresh wasabi root, ocean minerals and wet stones alongside fresh citrus, apple and pear skin.
The palate is light in body yet with a silky texture that gives the illusion of a fuller wine. It’s subtle yet flavoursome with layers of fresh finger lime, kiwifruit, granny smith apple and nashi pear. There’s just a hint of freshly grated ginger and steel cut oats adding another layer of flavour. It’s dry and very refreshing with lively yet approachable acidity and a long juicy finish. 

Drink now to 2026

Bottled  27th June 2023
Production 160 dozen
Alcohol 12%