2022 Thistledown Cunning Plan Shiraz

Thistledown is the vision of Master of Wine, Giles Cooke. His focus is on Grenache but he also works with growers across McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley and Riverland. The fruit for the Cunning Plan Shiraz is sourced from the Moray Park vineyard in the McLaren Flat sub region. Wild fermented with maturation taking place in French oak of which 10% was new.

Gorgeous rich, plush fruits stroke the palate with a refined opulence.

Impenetrable pitch black core with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Intense ripe blackberry and liquorice aromas flood the nostrils followed by some dark plum, vanillin oak, earthy dark chocolate and spice notes. Rich and plush the palate is awash with succulent blackberry, liquorice and dark plum fruits that show terrific concentration. Chocolatey vanillin oak, earth, fennel and spice elements also chime in. Seamlessly integrated velvet like tannins provide ample structure. Possessing a refined opulence and superb depth it finishes long and seductive. Dual trophy winner at the McLaren Vale Wine Show.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews…..
Whole berry, four-day soak, wild ferment, 10% new French oak, the remainder seasoned French. In value terms, this is truly exceptional. It’s a wine of poise and engaging vibrancy that’s also rippling with flavour. Raspberry, blackberry, ripe redcurrant and red plum are all suggested but never so defined that they simplify. A dusting of warm spices and a lilt of red florals deepen the interest as well as the ready appeal. The finish underlines the class, with a lithe, effortless balance that leaves perfectly ripe flavours lingering, along with the desire for another glass. Drink by 2030.
95 points
Marcus Ellis – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion