*Available on Indent
Thistledown is the vision of Master of Wine, Giles Cooke. Working with Grenache growers in unique sites across Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Riverland, Giles makes elegant, fine, aromatic reds. Choosing to focus on the Grenache grape shows the belief Giles has in this special variety. Thistledown Grenaches are made in small quantities in the Adelaide Hills.
Thistledown Sands of Time Grenache 2019
From 76 year old vines planted in Blewitt Springs, which is perhaps the epicentre for quality Grenache in this country. Bit of a loaded word of late though, is epicentre. A total of 930 bottles produced. Mine is 923. I was hoping for either 930, 007 or 001. Oh well.
Medium-bodied, perfume and ripe raspberry, some biscuit spices and wholesome earthiness, almost like wet clay. It’s carrying some puppy fat as a very young wine, succulence of raspberry, but there’s bass and depth, kitten’s tongue tannin, a smattering of dried herb (thyme and the like) and dried flowers on a long and gently, but insistently, tannic finish. Fantastic, and it feels like it will develop beautifully.
Rating: 95+ Points
Source: Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
Thistledown Sands of Time Grenache 2019
This is a wine that resonates in the way that old-vine wines sometimes do. Transcending the weight of fruit and the various aromas and flavors, it delivers x-factor presence. The bright red berries are tinged with wild herbs. Stone and forest-wood notes, too. The wine has a succulent, bright entry and then expands in all directions to really claim the palate in full, showing fine yet sinewy tannins, all juicy, defined and persistent. Fresh red-berry flavor holds long. Just needs a year or two to bed it all in. Drink or hold.
Rating: 95 Points
Source: JamesSuckling.com
Thistledown Sands of Time Grenache 2019
Grown by Sue Trott; wild fermented in concrete eggs using 30% whole bunches, this is a fuller-bodied, well-structured grenache. Dusty earth, pepper, dry-bark aromas; a good solid grip and a long finish. It should age superbly.
Rating: 95 Points
Source: Gourmet Traveller Wine
