2025 Thistledown She’s Electric Grenache

95 pts
Seductively complex single vineyard Grenache from a modern McLaren Vale star.

Price:
Sale price$69.00
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In stock, ready to ship
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Description

This Grenache from Thistledown comes from a single vineyard at the end of Chapel Hill Road, with a pretty wild story to tell.

The vineyard held both old and younger Grenache plantings, but almost saw a tragic end when a bird caught on fire from a power line then fell to the ground, taking the vineyard out with it. Somehow, some of those old bush vines survived the blaze - and we're certainly glad it did, because the fruit makes one luscious wine.

Highly aromatic, flavours of spiced wild strawberries, a rich, luxurious texture... really beautiful stuff.

95+ points
"There’s real charm to this right now, but there’s also a lot wound within, with layers of spice and earthy detail emerging with air. It’s the most finessed, elegant release of this I can recall, and that’s from a year that was both warm and extremely dry. Old vines, hey."
- Marcus Ellis (Halliday Wine Companion)

95+ points - "From old bush vines planted to red-brown sandy loam soils studded with quartz and ironstone. Natural yeast, 50% whole bunches, eight months' élevage in old oak. Those bunches are seamlessly integrated across what is a medium-weighted and serenely elegant release. It’s got structure, though, the tannins quietly commanding, pithy, crunchy, drawing long. Wild cherries, pomegranate, damson plum, Campari, white peppery spice. There’s real charm to this right now, but there’s also a lot wound within, with layers of spice and earthy detail emerging with air. It’s the most finessed, elegant release of this I can recall, and that’s from a year that was both warm and extremely dry. Old vines, hey." - Marcus Ellis (Halliday Wine Companion)

95 points - "A light, bright and vivid cherry red in the glass. Lifted and pretty, with aromas of raspberry, pomegranate, dried herbs, spice, pot-pourri and some bunchy funkiness. There's lovely weight and life on the palate, medium bodied, juicy red fruits, spice and a woodsy earthiness. The tannins are shapely and caressing and the length and flow is mightily impressive." - Aaron Brasher (The Real Review)

94 points - "Raspberry, strawberry, a rosy perfume, nutmeg, aniseed, something of an ozone character too. It’s only just medium-bodied, red fruit with some almond, quite fine and ‘mineral’ with a light graphite grip to tannin, and a nutty raspberry and orange peel laced finish of very good length. It’s a light wine, yet it’s thoroughly charming, and surprisingly, despite the hot dry vintage, I reckon this release shows an extra degree of finesse." - Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)

Customer Reviews

Some vineyards have a remarkable story to tell and we came upon such a vineyard in late 2016. At the Seaview end of Chapel Hill Rd, its old bush vines contrasted by a planting of much younger Grenache. Apparently, half of the vineyard was burned when a bird caught light on a power line, fell to the ground and set light to the vineyard! We were so glad that some of the amazing old vines are still there for us to use.

Tasting
Aromatic and lifted on the nose with a beautifully layered, textural palate with wild strawberry and spice.

Only 1320 Bottles Produced

Suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Viticulture & Winemaking
Dry grown, old bush vines, grown on red-brown sandy loams with quartz and ironstone. Low intervention viticulture with minimal spray regime, cover crops and promotion of biodiversity.

The fruit was hand-picked early in the morning before swift transport to the winery where we retained 50% whole bunches. A gentle foot pressing helped establish the wild ferment. Once fermented, the wine was transferred to 500l puncheons & 300 litre used French oak hogsheads where it stayed for 8 months before being bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Price Bracket $51 to $100
Type Red
Body Medium Bodied
Variety Grenache
Country Australia
Region McLaren Vale
Australian State SA
Reviewed By The Real Review
The Wine Front
Halliday Wine Companion
Critic Score 95
Alcohol 14%
Size 750ml
Vintage 2025
Closure Screw Cap

Thistledown

Thistledown wines was 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 downunder throughout the year at key points in the winemaking process.

Giles Cooke MW Thistledown

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