Thomas Wines Motel Block Shiraz 2009 (Hunter Valley, NSW)
14.5%, Screwcap, $45
Source: Sample
www.thomaswines.com.au

Its’ a brand spanking new addition to Andrew ‘Thommo’ Thomas’ wine range this one, drawn off a dry grown 2.8ha vineyard on Hermitage road planted in 1967. Apparently the berries were tiny little things that vintage, which no doubt contributes to the power of this wine. It was quite a brute when first opened, but after a solid 24 hours for this to start really hitting it’s straps.

Like many top shelf Hunter Shiraz, it has a beautiful purple colour. Love it. The nose is typically ibrant too, with purple dark berry fruit, edged with high end vanillan French oak richness. There’s some base level volatility on the nose, with some lifted spirituous warmth in amongst the purple fruit. It’s a nose that is bright, licoricey and almost Shirognier like in it’s youthful lift, though no question about the seriousness and power here – no light and pretty wine this.

No surprises then by the power on the palate too, though it’s in an earthen Hunter style. It’s a fraction creamy oaky dominated at the moment, and with the ripeness of the fruit it does look a little chunky sweet at present. That is discounting the unforced purity and power though, which all bodes so well for the future. Loads of length and proper fruit tannins plus pristine winemaking all adds up to a solid, full powered modern Shiraz of real authenticity. Like. 18.2/93