2021 Thistledown Sands Of Time Grenache
McLaren Vale, SA
Exceptional old-vine McLaren Vale Grenache that stands amongst the best global expressions of the variety
$90.00
About This Wine
From a single 75 year-old vineyard in Blewitt Springs, this wine perfectly encapsulates why this sub-region of McLaren Vale is producing some of the best Grenache wines in Australia today.
There is real purity and power here. Highly aromatic with florals, spice, and dried citrus, it follows through to a palate that is both elegant and vibrant yet intensely concentrated. So smooth, with sweet berries, alongside more spice, and a hint of smoke.
This is the big-gun, and without a doubt, the showcase wine for Thistledown; so eminently drinkable, and beautiful. Really, this is a love letter to Grenache.
About Thistledown
Thistledown wines is a unique arm of the global Alliance Wine company.
Founded by UK natives Fergal Tynan, and Giles Cooke, the two MWs met while they began their WSET studies and formed a fast and strong bond.
While they have vineyards and wineries across the globe, Thistledown holds a special place in their hearts, with many of Giles' first forays into MW wine travel happening around Australia.
With renowned local winemaker Peter Leske on hand year-round, Giles is still quite hands-on with Thistledown, ensuring to be down-under, throughout the year at key points in the winemaking process.
Thistledown Winery, South Australia
From the Producer
Sourced from one 75 year old vineyard, the bush trained vines on pure sand yield up a wine of immense purity and power that is both light and intense at the same time. Highly aromatic with notes of sandalwood, dried orange, violets and wood spice on the nose, it follows through to a palate that is paradoxically elegant and vibrant but concentrated and persistent. Silky smooth with a glossy, highly attractive palate of wild strawberry, violets and the merest hint of cinnamon and woodsmoke. Achingly beautiful but deliciously drinkable all at once.
Hand-picked, on the way up, we vinify naturally in concrete and place whole bunches alternately with de-stemmed fruit to create a layer cake. A very gentle, slow fermentation is followed by maturation in oak and concrete before a careful selection is done, which is then bottled unfined and unfiltered 10 months later.
Blend : Grenache (100%)
ABV : 14.5%
Closure : Cork
Drink Until : 2030
Bottle Size : 750ml
Mclaren Vale, SA
Critic Reviews
"Raspberry, rosehip, a gently saline and earthy character. Deep flavour, firm slightly sandy feel to tannin, though tight, plenty of tannin and crunch to a long finish. So good." - Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)
"Raspberry, lilac and rosehip behind. The tannins, a saline scape of bridling force that stretch from the attack to the long, chalky finish. Delicious. Concrete ferment, layered bunches and destemmed material to promote perfume and a mezcal whiff of the best parts beyond a border of control. Saliva-sapping energy." - Ned Goodwin MW (Halliday Wine Companion)
"Really bright and vibrant in the glass. Evocative aromas of dried flowers, raspberry, cherry, sweet spice and cedar. Mid-weight on the palate, there’s a lovely fleshy juiciness, plenty of red and blue fruits and chalky, textured and mouthfilling tannins. Plenty of complexity and layers of flavour here." - Aaron Brasher (The Real Review)
"Aromas of baked cherry and strawberry, white pepper and rosemary stem. Full-bodied with powdery tannins. Spicy and juicy on the palate, with an array of ground spices. Coriander, paprika and clove. Red licorice and elderberry as well. Very good intensity and concentration. Vegan. Best after 2025." - JamesSuckling.com
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