Thistledown The Vagabond Old Vine Grenache 2018
- Decanter
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Suckling
James -
Parker
Robert
Product Details
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Winemaker Notes
The Vagabond draws its fruit from the unique sub-region of Blewitt Springs - a region characterized by a raised elevation and distinct deep sandy soils dotted with ironstone. These ancient soils provide the perfect medium for Grenache to thrive. It is here that Grenache is at its fragrant, textural best - exhibiting beautiful balance, floral, dried citrus character and amazing length. Gently vinified with minimal intervention.
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
From old Blewitt Springs’ bush vines on deep sand, with some ironstone. Fermented using whole bunch, whole berry and crushed fruit, then aged in concrete eggs and oak. It has a lively, citrussy undertow and fine rub of sandpapery tannins to the fragrant red cherry and raspberry fruit. Violets, anise spice and fresh acidity make for a long, lifted finish.
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James Suckling
This grenache shows good energy and focus with vibrant dark berries, strewn across underlying citrus character. Juicy and succulent with lithe tannins, this is a very drinkable, medium-bodied wine. Drink now.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Sourced from two vineyards in Blewitt Springs and vinified in concrete eggs with 50% whole clusters, Thistledown's 2018 The Vagabond Old Vine Grenache features bright cherry, raspberry and red currant fruit. It's medium to full-bodied but taut and tart, with firm tannins and a long finish. It's a Grenache that could use a bit of time to settle down, then drink well for up to a decade.
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An Englishman, an Irishman and an Australian of German descent..... at home in the Adelaide Hills, Thistledown make super premium wines from the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills and Langhorne Creek regions of South Australia.
Drawing on strong Celtic links, the thistle provides an apt image for a producer that, for all the rugged exterior, makes wines that possess a delicacy, subtlety and beauty that counters the notion that bigger always equals better. Thistledown works directly with growers in the premium regions of South Australia to source fruit that has the potential to communicate its origins precisely while delivering polished, balanced, delicious wines of great personality.
Established since 2010,Thistledown is developing a focus on individual terroir expressions of Grenache and Syrah - a passion borne of our love for the wines of Southern France and Spain.
Whether it's the deep, ironstone rich terra rossa of Marananga in the Barossa or the delightfully light, deep sands of Blewitt Springs in McLaren Vale, we look to reflect the terroir by picking for optimal balance rather than power and by winemaking that is, wherever possible, hands off.
Grenache thrives in any warm, Mediterranean climate where ample sunlight allows its clusters to achieve full phenolic ripeness. While Grenache's birthplace is Spain (there called Garnacha), today it is more recognized as the key player in the red blends of the Southern Rhône, namely Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône and its villages. Somm Secret—The Italian island of Sardinia produces bold, rustic, single varietal Grenache (there called Cannonau). California, Washington and Australia have achieved found success with Grenache, both flying solo and in blends.
Known for opulent red wines with intense power and concentration, McLaren Vale is home to perhaps the most “classic” style of Australian Shiraz. Vinified on its own or in Rhône Blends, these hot-climate wines are deeply colored and high in extract with signature hints of dark chocolate and licorice. Cabernet Sauvignon is also produced in a similar style.
Whites, often made from Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc tend to be opulent and full of tropical, stone and citrus fruit.