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Thistledown This Charming Man Grenache 2023
Standard - 75cl
In Stock
- Vintage2023
- ColourRed
- ProducerThistledown
- CountryAustralia
- RegionSouth Australia
- Sub RegionMcLaren Vale
- DesignationGI
- Bottle SizeStandard - 75cl
- ABV13.5
- LWIN20658342023
Wine Critic Reviews
Grenache & Blends of the Year. Score awarded by the Halliday tasting panel at the annual Awards judging. ME writes: Dry-grown bush vines fruit from the legendary Smart vineyard in Clarendon. Fermented wild with 20% whole bunches, matured in French hogsheads. This is early on this wine, with so much to unfurl, but the promise is striking. Sour cherry, pomegranate, cranberry, blood orange and a ferrous rockiness, white pepper, raspberry leaf tea and warm terracotta cast across a framework of finely lacy but expansive tannins. Ample air, over two days, sees this soar, though only time will unlock all its secrets. If a case still needs to be made for those that doubt McLaren Vale grenache is inimitable, thrilling and unquestionably world class, then here is Exhibit A. Stunning.
The 2023 The Charming Man Single Vineyard Grenache is altogether moodier and darker than the Sands of Time tasted alongside it, but that is not making a comment on "weight" or "density" but rather on character. Here, we have blackberry and mulberry, raspberry pip and star anise, layers of coal dust, dirt and graphite, clove and even nutmeg/cinnamon. The tannins are über fine, chalky, grippy and gently chewy. It is a wonderful thing to experience the "feel" of the wine as much as the taste. Interacting with red wine in this way—and white as well—makes for thrilling drinking. It curls and winds its way through the long finish. It's super. A pleasure. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.
- Drinking Window: 2024 - 2038
- Reviewer Name: Erin Larkin