Thistledown The Distant Light Grenache Shiraz

Ever since historic Scots, James Busby and John MacArthur founded the Australian wine industry in the early 19th century, the relationship between Scotland and Australia has been an enduring one.

Guardians of a long history, Thistledown Wine Co. continues the tradition of Scottish ingenuity and great Australian wine. From their small-batch winery in the idyllic Adelaide Hills, they work with pristine fruit sourced from iconic vineyard sites.

Shiraz, Grenache

A detailed, complex tapestry of vineyards comprising young and old, trellised and bush-vine, their common thread being vibrant, energetic fruit that is concentrated but balanced. The Shiraz components come from Adrian Hoffmann’s Old Home Block, Joel Mattschoss’ Shiraz on Menglers Hill and 2 blocks of Andy Kalleske’s blocks in Koonunga/Ebenezer. All are trellised, 2 spur pruned, Joel’s cane pruned. The Grenache comes from Sue Trott’s Home Block in Blewitt Springs and Bernard Smart’s vineyard in Clarendon. The former bush vine on sand and the latter bush vine of clay loams with quartz and ironstone.

Shiraz 51% Grenache 49%

Though the winemaking was hugely detailed, the aim was to create something seamless. All fruit was hand-picked and wild fermented with varying percentage of whole bunch and a generally gentle extraction process. Ageing in a mix of concrete and larger French oak. No fining or filtration.

2020 vintage conditions were perfect in many ways. A warm , dry early season gave way to a mild, sometimes cool, February and March which allowed for ripening at a very relaxed pace. Small yields across all regions concentrated the fruit flavours while the dry conditions led to low disease pressures.An intoxicating, ethereal nose of sweet, spicy black cherry, cassis and balsam. The palate unravels its silky, textural beauty over the palate. Draped with wild strawberry, north African spice, autumnal wood smoke and hints of smoky, grilled meats, it displays an elegant persistence.

Pairs well with turkey, rich tomato based pasta sauce, and maybe even a slow braised lamb ragu.