Thomas

Andrew Thomas came to the Hunter Valley from McLaren Vale to join the winemaking team at Tyrrells. After 13 years, he left to undertake contract work and to continue the development of his own label. He makes individual vineyard wines, underlining the subtle differences between the various subregions of the Hunter. Plans for the construction of an estate winery have been abandoned for the time being, and for the foreseeable future he will continue to lease the James Estate winery on Hermitage Road, while the cellar door will continue at the Small Winemakers Centre. The major part of the production comes from long-term arrangements with growers of semillon (15ha) and shiraz (25ha); an additional 3ha of shiraz is leased. The quality of the wines and the reputation of Andrew Thomas have never been higher; the appointment of Scott Comyns as winemaker is also a significant step.  JAMES HALLIDAY