Thistledown was established by Master of Wine Giles Cooke, who envisioned crafting a more elegant and textural style of Australian wine. Early on, this vision led to access to some of the country’s finest vineyards, including many previously overlooked Old Vine Grenache blocks. Combining these incredible, historic fruit sources with Giles’ growing expertise has rapidly earned Thistledown a reputation as one of Australia’s premier wine producers.

On a beautiful hillside in the Clarendon sub-region of McLaren Vale, three generations of the Smart family have devoted their lives to Grenache. A remarkable site that has vines of 100 years old. The entire site, planted high in the picturesque Clarendon subregion, is dry grown bush vines and has been farmed by the same family for 3 generations.

Wild fermented and gently hand plunged twice a day during active fermentation. Pressed off to 300 litre hogsheads, of which 20% were new. 2352 Bottle produced. 

Winemaker Notes

This wine displays muscular yet elegant silky black fruits couple with deep, rich, warming spices, hints of violet, mineral and black cherry. Thistledown Wine Company