2023 Thistledown Sands Of Time Grenache

97 POINTS

Marcus Ellis - Halliday Wine Companion

From the Trott vineyard in Blewitt Springs, planted in 1952 to deep sand. Fermented in alternating layers of whole bunches and crushed fruit in concrete; maturation in oak and concrete for 10 months. This is coiled but given air, the potential is evident, if not fully revealed. Blue and red floral notes, dark red cherries, orange oil and a humus-like earthiness. This is presently the most reticent member of the ’23 grenache suite, with acidity feeling vigorous against the tensile complement of tannins, both cinching in the fruit presently. Based on the track record and the impeccable framing of fruit and site that’s already evident, this will grow amply in stature, and what an exciting prospect that is.

97 POINTS

Erin Larkin - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2023 Sands of Time Old Vine Single Vineyard Grenache leads with a floral, fragrant bouquet of Boscobel rose, crushed green (and salted) pistachios, licorice, clove, star anise and cracked fennel seeds. The wine is structurally fine and ductile; the tannins present us with an attractive framework of support and texture. It is gently chewy, layered with tobacco, iron and a hint of boudin noir, or black pudding. (I was recently pulled away from my Northern English roots while in France. We had boudin noir, and it was significantly silkier, fattier, softer and more lustrous than the English version; and to my palate at least, it was far more aligned with wine and nuance.) Suffice to say, this is a super wine, fragrant and detailed, long and complex. Yes! 14.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

95 POINTS

Ned Goodwin - JamesSuckling.com

There are very few wines that I look forward to more than the top duo of grenache from Thistledown, be it on Australian or international shores. This, from an octogenarian spread of vines, higher up on meager sands flecked with ironstone, peering toward the vast Pacific horizon. The final vintage of a La Nina troika, splaying red-fruit allusions, dried thyme, rose petal, pomegranate and lilac, with a mandala of gritty nigh-on nebbiolo-esque tannins, directing and driving long. The tannins are just a little emaciated, to be churlish. Later-ripening varieties, such as grenache, had their challenges in this vintage, yet this gorgeous rendition virtually transcends them.

94 POINTS

Mike Bennie - The Wine Front

Blewitt Springs. Also screwcap now. Also heavy bottle still. Also Quite mute in the perfume, sour cherry, a touch of sea spray, some sweet turned earth and wild herbs with a touch of aniseed. Pretty though. Concentrated but quite fine in the palate, lacy and pure-feeling with a mix of sweet spice, headier almost curry spice, curiously, blood orange, and lots of cherry between just-ripe and maraschino. Slender swish of fine boned tannins, minerally and crushed rock qualities. Great extension of flavour too. Massive charm here.