Thistledown “Charming Man” Old Vine Grenache 2019

97 points James Suckling
This is sourced from the Smart Vineyard, up on the ridge at Clarendon and has a very singular, powerful expression of raspberry and red-plum aromas, as well as some bracken and forest-wood notes. Very pure. The palate has a succulent feel with acidity that enlivens the rich, powerful, red-berry flavors. The tannins round the flanks, providing a crescendo feel to the long, fresh and upbeat finish. Drink or hold.

96 points James Halliday
Sourced from a high-canopied plot of centurion bush vines, deep rooted and resilient. Hand harvested, fermented wild and plunged regularly in an open-top vessel, with 20% whole bunches. Pressed off to 300L oak (25% new). More muscular than its svelte Blewitt brethren. The fruit, warmer: kirsch, orange peel, tangerine and black cherry. Floral. More overt and impactful. Mineral force, over sandy and ethereal detail. But it makes me no less giddy!

95 points The Wine Front
From the Smart vineyard up in Clarendon. How many Grenache based wines can these lunatics at Thistledown make in any given year? Anyway, Johnny Marr produced one of the best, and most enduring guitar parts ever written for the song of the same name, made all the better because it was played on a Fender Telecaster. How’s the purity? Crisp and clear red fruit, mint and liquorice root perfume, a dusting of exotic spice. It’s light and fresh, rings like a well struck triangle, fine emery board tannin, cool and calm, vanilla and juicy raspberry on a long and precise finish. Fine wine, no doubt.

93 points The Real Review
Medium red/purple colour. Spicy aromas, attractive and elegantly crafted, with balance and approachability on the palate. Light to medium-weight, but good intensity, attractive flavour and style. A very appealing wine that already drinks very well despite its youth. (930 bottles made. Grown by the Smart family. 20% whole-bunches fermented.

93 points Gourmet Traveller Wine
Fermented with 20% whole bunches, the wine is elegantly stated and of light to medium weight, but very good intensity. Attractively spicy aromas and flavours, and already drinking well despite its youth.