A detailed, complex tapestry of vineyards comprising young and old, trellised and bush-vine, their common thread being vibrant, energetic fruit that is concentrated but balanced. The Shiraz components come from Adrian Hoffmann’s Old Home Block, Joel Mattschoss’ Shiraz on Menglers Hill and 2 blocks of Andy Kalleske’s blocks in Koonunga/Ebenezer. All are trellised, 2 spur pruned, Joel’s cane pruned. The Grenache comes from Sue Trott’s Home Block in Blewitt Springs and Bernard Smart’s vineyard in Clarendon. The former bush vine on sand and the latter bush vine of clay loams with quartz and ironstone.
Though the winemaking was hugely detailed, the aim was to create something seamless. All fruit was hand-picked and wild fermented with varying percentage of whole bunch and a generally gentle extraction process. Ageing in a mix of concrete and larger French oak. No fining or filtration.
The Distant Light is what keeps many of us moving forward. It is the faint, twinkling lights of a harbour, gently beckoning home weary fishermen after time at sea. It is the comforting glow of a wood fire burning post a long, winter’s walk. It is the dazzling, azure blue of the ocean, glimpsed through gullies after a long drive to the coast. It is the streak of light on the horizon, viewed from a hilltop vineyard, ushering in a new dawn. An intoxicating, ethereal nose of sweet, spicy black cherry, cassis and balsam. The palate unravels its silky, textural beauty abundant with wild strawberry, north African spice, autumnal wood smoke and hints of smoky, grilled meat flavours.
Turkey, rich tomato based pasta sauce, and maybe even a slow braised lamb ragu.
Robert Parkers The Wine Advocate 93 Points
blend of 51% McLaren Vale Grenache (from Blewitt Springs and Clarendon) and 49% Barossa Shiraz (from growers Hoffmann, Kelleske and Mattschoss), the 2018 Distant Light Grenache Shiraz displays more obvious oak than the other Thistledown wines, despite being aged in a mix of larger-format barrels and concrete vessels. The notes of cedar and vanilla are balanced by concentrated cherry-berry fruit, with delicate herbal nuances (mint, bay leaf) adding welcome grace notes. It's medium to full-bodied and silky on the palate, polished, refined and elegant, with a long, harmonious finish.’ 93 Points
Region: Barossa
Country: Australia
Grape(s): Syrah, Grenache
Style: Structured, Smooth, Rich, Powerful, Medium Full, Juicy, Intense, Full, Fruity, Elegant, Dry, Dark, Complex, Balanced
Best food matches: Wild Boar, Venison, Steak, Roasts, Red Meats, Pasta, Casseroles, Beef, Barbecue
Alcohol: 14.5%
