Thistledown, Where Eagles Dare Single Vineyard Shiraz, Eden Valley, Barossa, Australia 2021

Thistledown was founded by Master of Wine, Giles Cooke who had a vision for a more elegant, textural interpretation of Australian wine.

Initial explorations resulted in access to many of the best vineyards, many of which were the previously unloved Old Vine Grenache. Incredible, historic fruit sources coupled with Giles’ increasingly adept efforts has quickly resulted in a reputation for being amongst the best in the country. Narrating the stories of these wines to an increasingly attentive global audience is Giles’ heartfelt commitment and mission.

Perched high above the Barossa, the Eden Valley can be a precarious but highly rewarding place in which to grow grapes. This single vineyard, at 550m above sea level is hauntingly beautiful. Home to the majestic wedgetail eagle, the soils composed of pink quartz and ironstone, provide a formidable substrate in which the vines takes a tenuous hold. Fruit is sourced from one of Joel Mattschoss’ Mengler’s vineyards. The fruit is hand-picked and transferred to the winery.

20% of the total weight is placed in whole bunches in a concrete egg while the balance is crushed and placed on top. A spontaneous fermentation with no physical extraction aims to capture the rugged beauty of the vineyard while preserving the energy and vitality that are the hallmarks of our style. A brief post fermentation maceration is followed by pressing to French oak for 11 months (approx 20% is new).

Deep crimson. Really appetising and savoury. Creamy-sweet but not heavy. Lots of drive here. Polished tannins. Light years from the old stereotype of Oz Shiraz. 

Grape: 100% Shiraz