2022 Thistledown The Vagabond Old Vine Grenache

Thistledown is the vision of Master of Wine, Giles Cooke. His focus is on Grenache working with growers across McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley and Riverland. Fruit for the Vagabond was sourced from four separate old, dry grown, bush trained vineyards in Blewitt Springs planted in deep sands with some ironstone. Fermented with 35% whole bunches it was matured in mix of concrete egg and oak puncheons.

Deep dark red core with black shaded edges and a vibrant dark red purple hue. Seducing the olfactory senses are the varieties hallmark scents of dark raspberry, dark cherry and red liquorice followed by some red plum, fresh herb, vanillin spice and pepper notes. Juicy dark raspberry, cherry and liquorice fruits are both powerful and intense within a muscular framework of tannins. Opulent yet energetic feel with notions of vanillin spice, infusions of fresh herbs and peppered earth elements adding further detail. The delicious finish long and fresh yet structured.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews…..
Blewitt Springs, an Australian grand cru equivalent. Old bush vines, as is the wont. Wild fermented with a good portion of whole bunches, some in concrete pyramids sans agitation, before ageing in concrete and large neutral oak. Brilliant! Like a slinky, before release over the top step, as riffs on persimmon, Seville orange, rosehip, pomegranate and impeccably ripe cherry clafoutis unwind and expand with a rattle. Long. A sandy scape of gorgeous tannins. World class. Drink by 2030.
96 points
Ned Goodwin – James Halliday’s Wine Companion