Thistledown was founded by Master of Wine Giles Cooke, driven by a vision to create elegant, textural interpretations of Australian wine. With access to some of the country’s best vineyards—including historic Old Vine Grenache—Giles has quickly established a reputation for producing some of Australia’s most compelling and nuanced wines. His mission is to bring these stories to a global audience, celebrating both the heritage of the vineyards and the personality of the fruit.

Viticulture

The Shiraz is sourced entirely from a single old vineyard in the Riverland, a property with vines dating back to the early soldier settlements, offering exceptional depth and character.

Winemaking

A small proportion of Zibibbo (Muscat) was co-fermented using wild yeasts to enhance aroma and complexity. The wine undergoes a short ageing in old French oak before bottling young, preserving the aromatic intensity, silky texture, and approachable style Giles sought from the outset.

Tasting Note

A distinctive Shiraz with an 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. A previously undervalued resource transformed into a thoroughly enjoyable, elegant wine.

Food Matching

Pairs beautifully with roasted lamb, beef stews, and strong hard cheeses.

Awards

James Halliday 90 Points – “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. 90 Points, NG (MW), 2023.”

Technical Details

Varieties: Shiraz 86%, Zibibbo 11%, Fiano 3%
Oak Ageing: 1 Month in French Oak, 100% of wine, none new

We strive to provide fast and reliable delivery, with Free Express Delivery on orders over £150 (UK Mainland only).

Express Delivery

Orders placed by 2pm (Monday to Friday) are dispatched the same day.
Orders placed after 2pm Thursday arrive on Monday.
Orders placed after 2pm Friday arrive on Tuesday.
A signature is required, with GPS-confirmed tracking.
Bank Holidays and seasonal holidays are not considered working days by couriers.

Standard Delivery

Economy (2-3 working days) – Orders placed before 2pm (Monday to Friday) are dispatched the same day.

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