2025 Thistledown Thorny Devil Grenache, Barossa Valley

Built from a mix of sites, with the theme being old bush vines; seasoned oak for about eight months. This has gone up a few dollars, yet it remains one of the country’s best value wines, when you consider provenance, quality and pure joy-giving potential. This is expressly fruitful and open at this early stage. Ripe redcurrant, maraschino cherries, rosehip tea, kirsch, rosewater and dried rose petals in spice, a stroll through a Persian souk – perhaps an indulgent analogy, but it has that evocation of ancient luxury, when spice and perfume were marvels. The elegant headiness is delightful, but it’s the natural tensioning that elevates this, with detailed, quietly complex tannins yielding integrated savouriness. Drink 2026-2035.

95 points Special Value Marcus Ellis, Halliday Wine Companion, April 2026

Lifted and youthful aromas of blueberry, pot-pourri, dried herbs, ferrous earth and limestone. Firm, fleshy and mid-weighted, with a core of red and blue fruits, spice and textured, shapely tannins. Long, layered and with plenty of zip and ping. Drink 2026–2036.

92 points Aaron Basher, The Real Review, March 2026

Drawn from old vine Grenache parcels in the Barossa Valley, Thistledown Thorny Devil captures the vibrant, modern face of this much loved variety. Founded by Masters of Wine Giles Cooke and Fergal Tynan, Thistledown focuses on expressive, site driven wines with minimal intervention and a strong belief in Grenache’s ability to deliver both perfume and finesse. The Barossa’s sandy soils and warm days tempered by cooling evening breezes allow the fruit to reach generous ripeness while retaining freshness and aromatic lift.

A bright ruby crimson glows in the glass with youthful clarity. Aromas burst forward with wild raspberry, red cherry and strawberry layered with rose petal, white pepper and hints of dried thyme and spice. There is an immediate sense of energy and approachability, capturing Grenache’s naturally joyful personality.

The palate is supple and flowing, delivering juicy red berry fruit, pomegranate and subtle savoury nuance framed by fine tannins and lively acidity. Gentle notes of spice and mineral freshness carry through a smooth, persistent finish that feels both vibrant and effortlessly drinkable. While delicious in its youth, this Grenache will continue to evolve over the next five to seven years, gaining additional softness and complexity.

Perfect for relaxed gatherings and flavour packed dishes, it shines with grilled lamb cutlets, charred eggplant, wood fired pizza or roast chicken with herbs. Thistledown Thorny Devil Grenache brings the sunny confidence of the Barossa into the glass, ideal for long lunches, shared platters and easygoing evenings where good food and conversation take centre stage.