Thistledown “Thorny Devil” Old Vine Grenache 2023

94 points James Halliday

93 points The Wine Front
From a selection of old bush vines across McLaren Vale. We don’t know from where, but we trust Giles Cooke MW, Grenache enthusiast, who’s probably over here right now, trailing about somewhere in SA. Cherry, mint, raspberry, something a little steely too, brown spicy and floral. It’s medium-bodied, sappy cherry and coal dust, something a little ozone-like about it (don’t mind me), with plump yet fine grained tannin grip, and a juicy finish of excellent length. Very nice. Fresh. Lively. Gustatory.

93 points James Suckling
I always enjoy this wine, the entry point to the glories of McLaren Vale grenache, among the world's finest expressions of this variety. Tamarind, red cherries, mint and sap verging on rhubarb. Almost like a Beaujolais, and yet there is plenty of tannic grit. Cranberry, white pepper, clove and dried thyme notes on a long, gentle finish. Delicious

92 points Robert Parker
The 2023 Thorny Devil Grenache is routinely a rip-snorting little wine. Raspberry compote, orange peel, black tea, humbug candies and red licorice frame the bouquet, while on the palate, the wine is plush, luxurious and velvety. It's really good-again!

92 points Houlbergs Vinblog
Duftmæssigt er det masser af lys frugt … knuste hindbær, lyse kirsebær, lidt tranebær og godt med grønne noter. Virker både meget let og rank, sådan lidt stålsat og frugten suppleret af blæk, mynte, blomster samt lidt fadnoter af mælkechokolade, karamel og virker ganske landlig og animalsk. Smagen er - uha - dejlig let, lys … der kommer let peber, godt med luftig frugt af knuste hindbær, umodne kirsebær, tranebær, rabarber og har en kølig, rank, sprød og frisk smag. Det smager rasende godt