2017 Thistledown She's Electric Grenache, McLaren Vale

Made from a single plot of organically farmed old vines, this wine offers lively tones of red berry, rose, violet and herbal tonic, backed by cinnamon and clove spice. It's light, bright and easy to knock back, which belies just how well structured and complex it really is. This is a beautiful example of the variety McLaren's Vale does best. 

94 points Christina Pickard Wine Enthusiast

Dry grown bushvines, wild-fermented with 50% whole berries and 50% whole bunches, 6 days in post-ferment maceration, matured in French hogsheads (25% new). A fragrant and pure bouquet and palate, both sending the same message, are the starting point for this beautifully detailed wine. It's actually quite firm on the palate, but it comes from the fruit not tannins, so it can be missed. The length and finish reveal just how complex the wine is.

95 points James Halliday winecompanion.com.au

Some vineyards have a remarkable story to tell and we came upon such a vineyard in late 2016. At the Seaview end of Chapel Hill Rd, it’s old bush vines contrasted by a planting of much younger Grenache. Apparently, half of the vineyard was burned when a bird caught light on a power line, fell to the ground and set light to the vineyard! Thankfully half of the vines survived and we are so glad that the amazing old vines are still there for us to use. The fruit used is from the older part of the vineyard. The aromatic, perfumed aromas on the nose lead through to a delicate yet vibrant palate of spiced wild strawberry fruit, violets and cinnamon. Textured, enticing and delicious.

Gold Medal McLaren Vale Wine Show judges comments

From old vine Grenache parcels in McLaren Vale, Thistledown She’s Electric is a bright, modern expression that leans into energy, perfume and drinkability. Thistledown, led by Masters of Wine Giles Cooke and Fergal Tynan, has built a cult following for pushing Grenache into a more lifted, site driven direction, focusing on old vines, gentle extraction and minimal oak. The result is a wine that feels vibrant and alive, capturing the sun and spice of McLaren Vale without heaviness.

A vivid ruby crimson with brilliant clarity jumps from the glass. Aromas are immediately expressive, wild strawberry, raspberry and red cherry layered with rose petal, white pepper and a hint of dried herbs. There is a sense of brightness and lift that lives up to the name.

The palate is medium bodied and flowing, delivering juicy red berry fruit framed by fine, sandy tannins and fresh acidity. Notes of cranberry, spice and a subtle savoury edge build through the mid palate, leading to a long, energetic finish that feels crunchy, vibrant and dangerously drinkable. Best enjoyed over the next five to eight years while its fruit and lift are front and centre.

Charred lamb ribs with sumac, nduja smeared across blistered flatbread, or crispy eggplant with yoghurt and pomegranate. A spin of The Avalanches Since I Left You or something electric from LCD Soundsystem, the wine bringing that same pulse, bright, rhythmic and impossible to sit still with.