Thistledown
About Thistledown
Founded as recently as 2010, Thistledown is one of the most exciting, young fine wine projects in Australia at this moment in time. In essence, a super négociant sourcing fruit from parcels tended by enormously skilful and dedicated growers, Thistledown’s wines are amongst the greatest “new wave” expressions of Syrah, Chardonnay and in particular Grenache available.
Having met in a bar the night before their studies towards the prestigious Master of Wine exam began in earnest, Giles Cooke and Fergal Tynan unwittingly struck up a friendship that would culminate in one of Australia’s most exhilarating wineries.
Both vignerons eventually earned their MW status and founded Thistledown alongside Peter Leske 12 years later. United in their hatred for the lazy stereotype that Australian wines were beholden to the elevated temperatures of their climate and destined to be hugely jammy and alcoholic, it will come as no surprise to learn that the trio craft beautifully elegant and perfumed wines. The sensational range offered below will make even the most sceptical oenophile rethink any preconceived notions they have regarding Aussie offerings.
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Halliday Wine Companion (96)
A full-bodied shiraz that reflects cunning winemaking. Whole-berry fermentation has put a rich gloss on the palate without overloading the tannin structure. The predominantly black berry fruit is shot through with licorice, spice and an airbrush of dark chocolate.Inc. VAT£217.18 -
James Suckling (97)
I have tasted this producer's wines for a time now and adore the grenaches. Often my preference is for the Sands of Time cuvée but in 2021, a vintage of such effortless quality, This Charming Man ascends. Bitter red-fruit, orange-pastille, tea-tree, dried-thyme, bracken and sandalwood riffs are beautifully compressed by a phalanx of brushwood tannins. Mid-weighted Nebbiolo vibes. Very fine. Extremely long. An exquisite grenache. Drink or hold.Inc. VAT£250.84 -
(6x75cl) 2019Wine Advocate (95)
The 2019 The Vagabond Old Vine Grenache is now five years of age, and it's quickly sinking into its more tertiary phase. I do find this commonly in McLaren Vale Grenache; they seem to move quite rapidly here from the vivid nature they possess on release. They stay at this point for a long time, though, which is attractive. The core of fruit on the mid-palate remains, yet it is wrapped in an autumnal sheath of dried figs, cracked autumn leaves, mahogany furniture and old books. It is sitting on the cusp of tertiary here, and I expect it to remain this way for some time. It's bloody, a little meaty, ferruginous and spicy. Fascinating. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.Inc. VAT£147.58
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Halliday Wine Companion (96)
A full-bodied shiraz that reflects cunning winemaking. Whole-berry fermentation has put a rich gloss on the palate without overloading the tannin structure. The predominantly black berry fruit is shot through with licorice, spice and an airbrush of dark chocolate.In Bond£161.00 -
James Suckling (97)
I have tasted this producer's wines for a time now and adore the grenaches. Often my preference is for the Sands of Time cuvée but in 2021, a vintage of such effortless quality, This Charming Man ascends. Bitter red-fruit, orange-pastille, tea-tree, dried-thyme, bracken and sandalwood riffs are beautifully compressed by a phalanx of brushwood tannins. Mid-weighted Nebbiolo vibes. Very fine. Extremely long. An exquisite grenache. Drink or hold.In Bond£193.00 -
(6x75cl) 2019
Wine Advocate (95)
The 2019 The Vagabond Old Vine Grenache is now five years of age, and it's quickly sinking into its more tertiary phase. I do find this commonly in McLaren Vale Grenache; they seem to move quite rapidly here from the vivid nature they possess on release. They stay at this point for a long time, though, which is attractive. The core of fruit on the mid-palate remains, yet it is wrapped in an autumnal sheath of dried figs, cracked autumn leaves, mahogany furniture and old books. It is sitting on the cusp of tertiary here, and I expect it to remain this way for some time. It's bloody, a little meaty, ferruginous and spicy. Fascinating. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.In Bond£103.00
