Thistledown, The Distant Light Shiraz-Grenache, Mclaren Vale & Barossa, Australia, 2020

Producer Profile

Thistledown was founded by Master of Wine, Giles Cooke who had a vision for a more elegant, textural interpretation of Australian wine.

Initial explorations resulted in access to many of the best vineyards, many of which were the previously unloved Old Vine Grenache. Incredible, historic fruit sources coupled with Giles’ increasingly adept efforts has quickly resulted in a reputation for being amongst the best in the country. Narrating the stories of these wines to an increasingly attentive global audience is Giles’ heartfelt commitment and mission.

Viticulture

A detailed, complex tapestry of vineyards comprising young and old, trellised and bush-vine, their common thread being vibrant, energetic fruit that is concentrated but balanced. The Grenache comes from Sue Trott’s Home Block in Blewitt Springs and Bernard Smart’s vineyard in Clarendon. The former bush vine on sand and the latter bush vine of clay loams with quartz and ironstone. The Shiraz components come from Joel Mattschoss’ Shiraz on Mengler’s Hill and 2 blocks of Andy Kalleske’s blocks in Koonunga/Ebenezer. All are trellised, 2 spur pruned, Joel’s cane pruned.

Winemaking

Though the winemaking was hugely detailed, the aim was to create something seamless. All fruit was hand-picked and wild fermented with varying percentage of whole bunch and a generally gentle extraction process. Ageing in a mix of concrete and larger French oak. No fining or filtration.

Tasting Note

2020 vintage conditions were perfect in many ways. A warm , dry early season gave way to a mild, sometimes cool, February and March which allowed for ripening at a very relaxed pace. Small yields across all regions concentrated the fruit flavours while the dry conditions led to low disease pressures.An intoxicating, ethereal nose of sweet, spicy black cherry, cassis and balsam. The palate unravels its silky, textural beauty over the palate. Draped with wild strawberry, north African spice, autumnal wood smoke and hints of smoky, grilled meats, it displays an elegant persistence.

Food Matching

Turkey, rich tomato based pasta sauce, and maybe even a slow braised lamb ragu.

Awards

Huon Hooke 96 Points
Good depth of colour and hue, there are some char-oak aromas but the bouquet while clean and fresh is a bit shy. The palate has ironstone and graphite as well as char-oak over rich plummy fruit and pleasingly supple tannins giving it an agreeably soft texture. It's young and straightforward now and would reward cellaring. Concentrated and velvet-smooth, with a tremendously long aftertaste. Great potential. 96 Points, HH, Feb 2022.
James Suckling 93 Points
Barossa shiraz (Ebenezer and Mengler Hill) with Blewitt Springs grenache. Frankly, it would be finer without the Barossa intrusion. However, this is a stylistic choice that many will enjoy, marked by more obvious oak than Thistledown's other top wines. Full-bodied, with iodine, camphor and plentiful dark fruit allusions. Densely packed, with a sluice of menthol, anise and toasty oak to curb an intense finish that remains admirably fresh. 93 Points, NG (MW).