Thistledown Thorny Devil Grenache 2024

Sourced a range of sites with old bush-trained vines, Thorny Devil Grenache showcases classic McLaren Vale perfume, spice, and a layered, beguiling texture.

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Tasting Notes

Thistledown Thorny Devil Grenache 2024

"From a panoply of Vale sites, all old vines, all dry grown, with some whole bunch in all ferments; yeasts are native and extraction gentle. In general, a warmer year than the preceding few, though not excessively so. This has that bit more flesh and plump than its predecessor, a heartiness to the fruit, though still transparent, still buoyant. Grenache’s red fruit arsenal is on display in raspberry, cherry, redcurrant, pomegranate et al, along with billowing rose-scented florals, though on the more generous end of that palette. There are also some scrubby herbs, a little white pepper spice, a scuff of earth, and a delivery that is relatively gentle of structure."93 Points, Special Value, Marcus Ellis, Halliday Wine Companion

"From a selection of vineyards in McLaren Vale.
It’s quite a ripe wine, moving into slightly stewed fruit character, poached strawberry and the like, some toffee, peanut and spice. Plenty of flavour, baked red fruits, dried herb, brown spice, with soft tannin and a slightly warm finish, a subtle orange peel bitterness to close. It’s a nice enough wine, though somewhat lacking in energy and focus." 90 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/

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