Thistledown Sands of Time Grenache 2024
G 97
From the Blewitt Springs sub region grown on dry-grown bush vines in sandy soils. Like a bouquet carried down the aisle, this is full of hot house flowers, tea rose, sweet pea and cherry blossoms. Musk strawberries, orange oil and nutmeg. There is a touch of ground ginger too. It’s silky and lithe, slipping and sliding along with an ice skater’s precision. Some grapefruit pith and dried goji on the finish. Elegant, poised and just stunning. Everything has been considered and it’s quite immaculate as far as human tinkering can go. Serve in a large balloon glass and swoon. Drink now–2032 Yangarra Hickinbotham Clarendon Grenache 2023 G 97 The first vintage of certified fruit comes from bush vines on the Clarendon Vineyard Block 301 planted in 1962, all destemmed and into cocciopesto stone amphorae and on skins in there for 6 months and a total time in amphorae for 10 months, no pressings used whatsoever for this wine. A stained-glass ruby hue, the wine smells of cranberries, translucent redcurrants, and strawberry guava. Macadamia shell and paperbark, with a haze of cinnamon. For all the pretty rouge tones, it's dynamic on the palate, with a profusion of driving acidity and tannins that kick up the dust. This is immediately enjoyable and elegant beyond measure. The wildly high tones of this wine leave you wanting for nothing. For those that seek refinement, juicy and radiant red berries and approachable yet persistent structured lines, this is it. Stunning, moreish and exquisitely detailed. Bekkers Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 G 96 All Clarendon fruit and a cheeky 10% Cabernet Franc inclusion. This is all manner of blackberries, huckleberry, prune and plums. A significant twiggy, stripped thyme stem note that has me smiling fondly. This feels like good old raw dog Cabernet Sauvignon, and yet, as we know, nothing is lackadaisical in the vineyard or winery at Bekkers. However, the old soul of Cabernet shines true here, and where you’ll be even more pleasantly surprised is with the brightness, and jaunty light foot of its step. Tannins are sandy and ever present but have been well integrated for drinking on release, ensuring this will age well over another couple of decades. This is old mate Cab Sav, strolling down the street whistling his tune but with a brand new set of smoking hot kicks. No doubt you will blink and your glass will be gone. A wonderful lithe wine with so much promise that I am already reaching for another pour. A chunky beef pie is in order. Drink now–2045 Coriole Lloyd Reserve Shiraz 2022 G 96 A wine of true power and finesse. A cauldron of bubbling mulberries, sandalwood, caraway and blue fruit too. There is cocoa pods and liquorice root all wrapped in a silk stocking of fine tannins. These ancient vines tell their story with sturdy whispers and haunting song, lasting memories that stay with you and on the tip of your tongue. The forestry of nearby ghost gums and dried fallen leaves transports you. Oak supports here in an appropriate way; it’s embedded in the layers of fruit. A wine that will move you. Drink now–2037
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The Vintage Journal
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