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. 

Thistledown She’s Electric Grenache 2023
From dry-grown old bush vines planted to red-brown sandy loams with quartz and ironstone in Seaview. Wild fermented with 50% whole bunches; eight months in French oak. This is such an aromatically distinctive wine, with all the Thistledown grenache bottlings so keenly differentiated – I would not tire if there were more! Open and perfumed at this early stage, with wild cherry, a garigue-like scrubby note, tart redcurrant, rhubarb and warm brown spices and a depth that belies the immediate fragrance, transparency and pale hue. The balance here is the quiet star, with ripples of texture radiating over the sandy coil of tannin, effortless but with latent power. Stunning.
Rating: 96 Points, Special Value
Source: Marcus Ellis, Halliday Wine Companion

Thistledown She’s Electric Grenache 2023
Founded by two Masters of Wine, one English, the other Irish, Giles Cooke and Fergal Tynan established Thistledown with the ambition to showcase the best vineyard sites around South Australia. In this gorgeously fragrant and dramatic grenache, they have absolutely captured the essence of old vine McLaren Vale grenache.

Lovely vibrancy of colour in the glass. The aromas are alluring and complex. There’s plenty of dried flowers, herbs, red and blue fruits and a sarsaparilla lift. The flavours are vivid and multi-faceted: red fruits, spice and a creamy, textured mouth-feel. The tannins have a suppleness, yet real presence and the acidity delivers snap and crackle. Delicious gear. (Screwcap)
Rating: 95 Points 5 Stars ★★★★★
Source: Aaron Brasher, The Real Review
Ranked #1 of 17 2023 Grenache from Australia

Thistledown She’s Electric Grenache 2023
The 2023 She's Electric Old Vine Single Vineyard Grenache was handpicked, whole-bunch pressed and fermented wild with 50% whole bunches, then matured for 10 months in older French oak. The palate is complex and complete, with a ductile framework of tannin and lashings of exotic spice, raspberry compote, licorice and black tea. This is a superb wine; it's rich and big but so balanced. There is energy here, edgy, vibrant energy. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.
Rating: 95 Points
Source: Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate

Thistledown She’s Electric Grenache 2023
This grenache shows glorious riffs on tangerines, mandarin peel, kirsch, cranberries, cloves and mace with a succulent mouth-feel. Full, but feels more medium-bodied. Scintillating length with a briary, chewy edge. Wonderful drinking. Drink or hold. 
Rating: 95 Points
Source: Ned Goodwin MW, JamesSuckling.com

Bottle Image

Tasting Notes

Logo