The 2023 Thistledown "Thorny Devil" Old-Vine Grenache from McLaren Vale showcases the very best of its kind. Sourced from several key vineyards sites throughout the region and a minimalist approach in the cellar, it’s pure and elegant and brimming with bright red fruit and hits of delicate spice.

These Old vine, dry-grown, bush-trained Grenache hail from the McClaren Vale in Australia. Vineyards here are planted in sandy, mineral-rich soils that produce low-yielding vines of intensely flavored, concentrated fruit. The majority of the vines chosen for this wine are ungrafted, dry-farmed, and farmed sustainably to showcase the depth purity that capture the essence of the McLaren Vale’s Mediterranean-influenced terroir.

Founded by Masters of Wine, Giles Cooke and Fergal Tynan, who have been steadfast in their passion to showcase McLaren Vale’s terroir through small-batch, hand-crafted Grenache wines. Their deep vineyard site knowledge and minimalist approach in the cellar have made Thistledown a standout producer for Grenache, Syrah, and Chardonnay from top Australian vineyards.

Hand-picked from multiple sites, with up to 30% whole cluster fermentation to enhance texture and aromatics. Each lot was fermented spontaneously from wild yeast and each was gently cap plunged twice per day to avoid heavy extraction. After initial fermentation, the wine was pressed and aged for approximately 10 months in neutral 300-500L seasoned French oak hogsheads prior to bottling, unfined and unfiltered to maximize purity and character

Vibrant aromas jump from the glass with layers of wild strawberry, raspberry, and pomegranate with hints of white pepper, clove spice and dried thyme. Medium-bodied and silky on the palate with savory richness, firm tannins and bright juicy acidity leads to a long, elegant, fresh and floral finish.