Thomas Wines 2023 DJV Shiraz Pinot Noir

In the world of wine, the Hunter Valley has always held a special place, known for its unique expressions of terroir and a winemaking tradition that reveres the past while embracing the future.

Among the region’s esteemed producers, Thomas Wines continues to be a beacon of innovation and reverence for history. The release of the 2023 DJV Shiraz Pinot Noir is a testament to this philosophy, bringing a modern spin to a blend deeply rooted in the valley’s vinous heritage.

A Nod to the Past: The Hunter River Burgundy Tradition

The DJV Shiraz Pinot Noir pays homage to the Hunter River Burgundy style, a blend popularised by legends like Maurice O’Shea and Murray Tyrrell. These winemaking pioneers understood the potential of combining Shiraz, the robust backbone of the region, with the delicate finesse of Pinot Noir. The result was often a wine that defied simple categorisation, marrying power with elegance, and depth with freshness.

Thomas Wines’ DJV takes this historical approach and adds a contemporary twist. The name “DJV” or “déjà vu” is a fitting tribute, evoking the sense of familiarity and tradition that comes with each sip. Yet, it’s a wine that is unmistakably modern, crafted with precision and a clear vision of the Hunter Valley’s future.

The Blend: A Marriage of Sites and Varietals

The 2023 DJV Shiraz Pinot Noir is a blend that speaks to the diversity of the Hunter Valley’s vineyards. The Shiraz, sourced from the Fordwich Hill and Vanessa Vale vineyards, contributes 56% of the blend. Fordwich Hill brings bright, red-fruited aromatics, while Vanessa Vale adds weight and tannin structure, giving the wine its serious, tightly wound character.

The Pinot Noir, making up 44% of the blend, hails from the original Terrace Vale (now Hunters Dream) plantings on the alluvial flats of Deaseys Road. This component adds a layer of complexity, with 20% whole bunch inclusion during fermentation imparting an enticing perfume and a subtle sappiness to the wine. After fermentation, the wine spent 10 months maturing in four-year-old French oak hogsheads, allowing the components to harmonize while preserving the freshness and vibrancy that is central to its appeal.

A Tasting Experience: Brightness, Structure, and Elegance

The DJV Shiraz Pinot Noir is a wine that captures the essence of both varietals, offering a nose that is as complex as it is inviting. Floral notes intermingle with red and black berries, underpinned by hints of pink pepper and warm herbs. The palate is immediately engaging, with a silky texture from fine-grained tannins that carry flavors of ripe cherry, red plum, and black raspberry. There’s a touch of violet and cassia, with an intriguing hint of ruby chocolate that lingers on the finish.

What stands out most is the wine’s balance and structure. It sits at the lighter end of the medium-bodied spectrum, but it has a depth and seriousness that belies its relatively modest weight. The tannins are finely woven, providing a firm yet supple framework that will allow the wine to age gracefully, though it is undoubtedly enjoyable in its youth.

A Limited Edition: Enjoying the DJV

With only 270 dozen produced, the 2023 DJV Shiraz Pinot Noir is a wine to seek out and savour. Its release in May 2024 marks a new chapter in the story of Hunter Valley winemaking, one that looks to the past for inspiration but is firmly rooted in the present. For those who appreciate the art of blending, the DJV offers a unique tasting experience—one that encapsulates the spirit of innovation that continues to drive the Hunter Valley forward.

Whether you’re a long-time admirer of Hunter Valley wines or a newcomer to the region, the DJV Shiraz Pinot Noir is a wine that will inform, educate, and entertain your palate. It’s a wine that tells a story—a story of place, tradition, and the ever-evolving craft of winemaking in one of Australia’s most cherished regions.

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