Thistledown
About Thistledown
Founded as recently as 2010, Thistledown is one of the most exciting, young fine wine projects in Australia at this moment in time. In essence, a super négociant sourcing fruit from parcels tended by enormously skilful and dedicated growers, Thistledown’s wines are amongst the greatest “new wave” expressions of Syrah, Chardonnay and in particular Grenache available.
Having met in a bar the night before their studies towards the prestigious Master of Wine exam began in earnest, Giles Cooke and Fergal Tynan unwittingly struck up a friendship that would culminate in one of Australia’s most exhilarating wineries.
Both vignerons eventually earned their MW status and founded Thistledown alongside Peter Leske 12 years later. United in their hatred for the lazy stereotype that Australian wines were beholden to the elevated temperatures of their climate and destined to be hugely jammy and alcoholic, it will come as no surprise to learn that the trio craft beautifully elegant and perfumed wines. The sensational range offered below will make even the most sceptical oenophile rethink any preconceived notions they have regarding Aussie offerings.
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Halliday Wine Companion (96)
A full-bodied shiraz that reflects cunning winemaking. Whole-berry fermentation has put a rich gloss on the palate without overloading the tannin structure. The predominantly black berry fruit is shot through with licorice, spice and an airbrush of dark chocolate.Inc. TAX€202.38 -
Halliday Wine Companion (97)
The qualitative apogee when it comes to grenache, rivalled by few and equalled only by Yangarra. Even better than the superb 2021. Sourced from the highest, coolest site in the Vale, the venerable Smart vineyard. Ironstone imparts a ferrous bite to pithy sour cherry, cranberry, campfire, pomegranate, tamarind and sandalwood notes with a grind of white pepper across a lattice of pin bone tannins, curtailing sweetness while promoting stunning length. This is excellent. Superb! Transparent and brimming with a sense of pinoté, like a mini Rayas. A great wine of the present as much as the future. Among Australia's very greatest reds. I don't score above 97, but this could be worth a point higher.Inc. TAX€248.14
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Halliday Wine Companion (96)
A full-bodied shiraz that reflects cunning winemaking. Whole-berry fermentation has put a rich gloss on the palate without overloading the tannin structure. The predominantly black berry fruit is shot through with licorice, spice and an airbrush of dark chocolate.In Bond€150.00 -
Halliday Wine Companion (97)
The qualitative apogee when it comes to grenache, rivalled by few and equalled only by Yangarra. Even better than the superb 2021. Sourced from the highest, coolest site in the Vale, the venerable Smart vineyard. Ironstone imparts a ferrous bite to pithy sour cherry, cranberry, campfire, pomegranate, tamarind and sandalwood notes with a grind of white pepper across a lattice of pin bone tannins, curtailing sweetness while promoting stunning length. This is excellent. Superb! Transparent and brimming with a sense of pinoté, like a mini Rayas. A great wine of the present as much as the future. Among Australia's very greatest reds. I don't score above 97, but this could be worth a point higher.In Bond€188.00