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Thistledown Thorny Devil Grenache 2022
$26.99
Out of stock
About this Wine
Fruit for Thorny Devil comes from a variety of some of the finest vineyards in McLaren Vale. Old bush trained vines and sandy, mineral strewn vineyards ensure that this is amongst our most delicious Grenaches.
The resulting wine has the characteristic McLaren Vale perfume and spice with a beguiling texture and perfume that unfolds, layer by layer.
Thorny Devil comes from a variety of sites, all of which have in common that that they are old, bush trained and dry grown. With Grenache, we are always looking to maximise fruit purity, texture and finesse and do so through earlier picking, selection of blocks within the vineyard and a detailed understanding of each site and how it reacts to the season.
The fruit was handpicked from a variety of sites, all of which were vinified separately with up to 30% whole bunches retained in the ferment.
Fermentation began naturally and hand plunging twice a day was carried out through to dryness. Gently pressed off skins before 10 months in old oak hogsheads.
Tasting Notes
As you pour a glass of Thistledown Thorny Devil Grenache 2022, be greeted by its vibrant ruby hue, inviting you to explore its depth. The nose is a captivating array of aromas: ripe red cherries and strawberries, complemented by subtle hints of sweet spices, dried herbs, and a whisper of floral notes — a testament to its Grenache heritage.
On the palate, the Thorny Devil Grenache unfolds with elegance and intensity. Experience the rich flavors of red and dark berries, beautifully interwoven with nuances of anise, cinnamon, and a touch of earthy minerality. The texture is smooth and supple, supported by fine tannins and a lively acidity that adds brightness to the wine’s fruit-forward profile. The finish is long, smooth, and utterly enchanting, leaving a memorable impression that beckons for another taste.
Varietal: 100% Grenache
Alcohol: .14%
Total Acidity: 5.88 g/l
pH: 3.32
Residual Sugar: 2g/l
SO2: 83 mg/l
Scores & Reviews
95 points – Huon Hooke, The Real Review
Deep purple-red colour; the bouquet has raspberry and blackcurrant pastille aromas, complexed by gentle spice notes. The wine is medium-full bodied and laced with a delicious core of sweet fruit shrouded in emery-like tannins that impart pleasing structure. Good length: a very stylish modern grenache that can be enjoyed young.
94 pts Halliday Wine Companion (Ned Goodwin MW)
While vintage ’22 may not scale the heights of ’21, it was another attenuated, Eurostyled year of poise, enough fruit weight and immense freshness. Savoury, the signature. I’ll take that over obvious sweetness any day. The first cab off the premier rank. A subregional blend limited to old, dry-grown bush vines. Varying degrees of whole bunches. A number of picking windows, too, to embellish freshness and enough weight. Fermentation is ambient. I’d be hard-pressed to find a better wine than this for the price. Kirsch, ume, cranberry, bergamot and a scape of pixelated tannin, sandy of feel, directing length.
93 pts Wine Advocate Sept 2023
This is a super little wine. The 2022 Thorny Devil Grenache is spicy, supple and shaped, as all the Thistledown Grenaches are, by ductile, flowing tannins in the mouth. This has shape and form, but it is also a plump, cushioned little number that gives all manner of pleasure. It’s a generous, smiling little thing, delicious. There are notes of blood, raspberry, red licorice and ferrous. It is sapid as all get up. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. 2023-2032
92 points – Gary Walsh, The Real Review
A bit of mint, some char and meaty stuff, raspberry and strawberry, juicy with fine sandy tannin, a little dried rose, and a slightly gritty finish of good length. Good.
