Thistledown Cunning Plan Shiraz 2023

Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Founded in 2010 in South Australia by MW Giles Cooke and Fergal Tynan, Thistledown Wines produces small batches of handcrafted wines from iconic vineyards in some of the country’s most prestigious regions, such as the Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale. The Cunning Plan Shiraz in particular is made from grapes sourced from the low-yielding Moray Park vineyard, located in the beautiful McLaren Vale region, in the McLaren Flat sub-area. Here the vines enjoy extraordinary soil and climate conditions thanks to the proximity of the Gulf to the west, the protection of mountain ranges to the east and north, and diverse soils. After harvest and a short maceration, fermentation occurs spontaneously. The finished wine then rests in French oak (10% new) for 10 months. In the glass, the wine reveals a deep and intense color with purple highlights. Its aromatic profile is lively and broad with notes of ripe plum and blackberry, forest berries and delicate spicy aromas. On the palate, it has a full body and great concentration of fruit flavors. It is velvety, hearty and lively with smooth tannins and a long finish that recalls peppery notes. It is the ideal wine to pair with rich stews, roast lamb with herbs, or Asian hotpots.

Price: £22.93 from 8wines UK