Thistledown, Walking With Kings Roussanne-Grenache Blanc, Australia, 2024
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
Hand-picked Roussanne from Sellicks Hill, biodynamic Grenache Blanc from the Riverland.
Winemaking
Both varieties are hand picked and fermented separately. Roussanne is whole bunch pressed, lightly settled and wild fermented in French oak. Grenache is oxidatively handled prior to wild ferment in barrel. The two components blend prior to bottling.
Tasting Note
A richly textured white wine inspired by the great whites of the Rhône, this is creamy, aromatic and jam packed full of exotic notes from the Roussanne and more vibrant, green apple from Grenache. The end result is a wine so versatile, complex yet so moreish.
Food matching
Rich seafood, creamy sauces and Asian cuisine
Awards
Robert Parkers Wine Advocate 94 Points
'The 2024 Walking With Kings Roussanne Grenache Blanc is a blend of handpicked, barrel-fermented Roussanne, while the Grenache Blanc component likely contains the first harvest off the new planting from Sue Trott, at the McLaren Flat site. The vines were grafted over onto established root systems and started vigorously, meaning the initial green harvest was both necessary and significant. I tasted this component from tank in November 2024 and was blown away by its minerality and energy. It has notes of white flowers and scratched citrus, green apples, white pepper and all things waxy and crunchy too. This is mineral and really impressive—a great wine. It's texturally complex and layered, closing with a saline tang. The wine is quite leesy and woody through the finish, but the fruit weight and acidity are magnificent; I'm certain this would come together nicely in a glass over an hour or so. 94 Points, April 2025.
Halliday Wine Companion 95 Points
52/48% roussanne/grenache blanc. Both varieties were barrel fermented, with the grenache oxidatively handled prior, and both wild fermented; 11 months in barrel. Lifted orchard florals and fruits, with pear, golden and pink apples, brown spices and ginger, the nose aromatically complex, fragrant but not overt. The palate has a similar quiet complexity, with succulent acidity paired with a citrus pith tension and neatly judged textural flex. A very fine expression. 95 Points, ME, August 2025.
Rousanne 52%,
Grenache Blanc 48%
Oak Ageing
Time:
6 Months
Type:
French Oak
% wine oaked:
100
% new oak:
None
Vegetarian
Vegan
Closure
Colour
Case Size
