Thistledown Gorgeous Shiraz is a distinctive, aromatic Australian Shiraz from a historic old vineyard in the Riverland, with vines dating back to the early soldier settlements. Created by Master of Wine Giles Cooke, who founded Thistledown with a vision to craft elegant, textural interpretations of Australian wine, this is a wine that transforms a previously undervalued resource into something thoroughly enjoyable and compelling. A small proportion of Zibibbo (Muscat) and Fiano were co-fermented with the Shiraz using wild yeasts, adding aromatic lift and complexity. Peaches, ripe nectarine, wild raspberry, and spice on the nose, with a soft, silky palate and subtle tannins reminiscent of macerated strawberries and black pepper.

Why You'll Love It

This is Thistledown Gorgeous Shiraz, produced by Master of Wine Giles Cooke from a single historic old vineyard in the Riverland — a property with vines dating back to the early soldier settlements, offering exceptional depth and character. Giles Cooke has quickly established a reputation for producing some of Australia's most compelling and nuanced wines, with access to some of the country's best vineyards including historic old-vine Grenache. The co-fermentation of Zibibbo (Muscat) and Fiano with the Shiraz using wild yeasts is a distinctive winemaking choice that enhances aroma and complexity, while short ageing in old French oak preserves the aromatic intensity and silky texture. The result is a wine that James Halliday described as “Mindless, in the very best way” — awarding it 90 Points. This is Australian Shiraz with personality, heritage, and effortless drinkability.

Vineyard & Winemaking

Produced by Thistledown from a single historic old vineyard in the Riverland, South Australia, with vines dating back to the early soldier settlements. Co-fermented with Zibibbo (Muscat) and Fiano using wild yeasts. Short ageing in old French oak (1 month, 100% of the wine, no new oak). Bottled young to preserve aromatic intensity and silky texture.

Awards

90 Points – James Halliday: “All Riverland fruit, with a heritage property supplying the Shiraz. A dollop of old-vine Zibibbo and a smidgeon of Fiano were co-fermented, serving lift and perfume. This has some throaty warmth to it, yet the extraction regime was clearly whole-berry gentle, so easy is this to drink. Mindless, in the very best way.”

Tasting Notes

Aromatic profile of peaches, ripe nectarine, wild raspberry, and a hint of spice. The palate is soft and slurpy, with silky texture and subtle tannins that add gentle seasoning, reminiscent of macerated strawberries and black pepper.

Food Pairing

Pairs beautifully with roasted lamb, beef stews, and strong hard cheeses. Also excellent with barbecued meats, duck, and charcuterie.

The Blend

Shiraz 86%, Zibibbo (Muscat) 11%, Fiano 3%

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