*Available on Indent

Thistledown Sands of Time Grenache 2024

A faithful Blewitt Springs Grenache – the pure sandy soils producing delightful, lifted perfume, fine tannins and an impactful length on the palate.

Bottle Image

Tasting Notes

Thistledown Sands of Time Grenache 2024

"Looking at this lineup of 2024 Grenaches, it is evident that 2024 was not a high-color year. However, the wines are abundantly aromatic, fresh and imbued with fine pliable structure, so with one we accept the other. So here, the 2024 Sands of Time Old Vine Single Vineyard Grenache penetrates the palate with sapid fruit flavors; the tannins "roll" more than they "shape," and they pervade every dark corner of the fruit. Everything here is in such lithe balance, and it truly is a pleasure to drink. McLaren Vale Grenache, at the height of its powers, can be all things in one glass: supple and fine, powerful and statuesque, silky and structured, long and deep. This is a superstar, make no mistake. The fruit was handpicked from Sue Trott's home vineyard and fermented wild with 30% whole bunches in concrete pyramids. It matured in both concrete and oak." 97+ Points, Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate


"Fermentation takes place in a concrete pyramid filled with hand-picked fruit in alternating layers of whole bunches and crushed berries. The resulting wine is firm, tight and fragrant, abundant in lifted raspberry, rubbed herb, star anise and musk aromas, and tapered with exquisitely fine tannins. 14.5% alcohol." 96 points, Nick Ryan, The Australian Weekend Magazine

"From a 1957 patch in Blewitt Springs. Trott Vineyard. 33% whole bunch. Very aromatic, ripe raspberry, rosehip, exotic spice, slight liquorice, orange peel. Medium to full-bodied, but bright, but good concentration, raspberry, balanced acidity, fine stony tannin, albeit with some firmness, and excellent length, with something of an amaro tang on the finish and some peanut flavour. Super wine. It’s maybe a little warmer and more breathy than the Charming Man, but gee, it has impact and power." 95 Points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front

Thistledown is the vision of Master of Wine, Giles Cooke. Choosing to focus on the Grenache grape shows the belief he has in the variety. A certified member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, they have secured numerous rare old vines and unique vineyards for the future. Working with growers across McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley and Riverland, they craft elegant, fine, aromatic reds, many destined to showcase Grenache's charm as a single variety. Thistledown wines are made in small quantities in the Adelaide Hills.

Producer website: https://www.thistledownwines.com/

Producer logo: Logo