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Thistledown Bachelor's Block Shiraz 2021

Hey September,

Spring may be all about light and fresh, but for those who prefer a bit of depth in their glass, the Thistledown Bachelor's Block Shiraz 2021 is here to shake things up. Bold, complex, and unapologetically rich, this Shiraz defies the season’s usual picks—because, who says you can’t enjoy a full-bodied red as the days get warmer?

The Wine

A complex and savoury nose with hints of graphite, liquorice, spice and blackberry. The palate is well balanced with dense, smoky black fruits and beautifully polished, glossy tannins that provide a mouthfilling yet succulent, energetic finish. This wine consistently stands out for its exceptional quality. After years of working with this vineyard, the potential of its fruit became fully realized once hand-picking and whole-bunch fermenting were introduced, enhancing its aromatic profile and depth.

Expect rich aromas of graphite, blackberry, and spice, while the palate offers dense black fruits, subtle smokiness, and savoury layers. Aged for 14 months in French oak, this wine is as balanced as it is bold.

 

The Winemaking

The fruit was left to cold soak for a couple of days before the natural fermentation began. We used approx 35% whole bunches in the ferment, which was hand plunged twice daily. Post ferment maceration lasted a further 5 days before pressing to 300 litre French hogsheads - where it lay for 14 months before bottling.

"The 2021 Bachelor's Block Ebenezer Shiraz hails from a cooler vintage than the previously tasted and much warmer 2020, however the Ebenezer region does not allow for a light wine to be made, whatever the season. This has density, gravitas and black pull at its very center and is shaped by a rachis of earthy, savory tannins in the mouth. It has blood plum, date, black tea, sweet Champion Ruby tobacco, turned black earth and crushed rocks aplenty. The length of flavor through the finish spools and unfurls and almost gyrates across the tongue and the memory. This is a big wine, with amplitude and impact in equal measure. 95 Points, EL, August 2023."
 
95 Points | The Wine Advocate

"This is exceptional right from the beginning. Full-bodied, to be sure, yet the handling accentuates a furled tannic kit, quality oak and savvy work with whole bunches (35%) delivering a savory tour de force with aromas of black olive, tar, blood, clove, aniseed, mace and a ferrous underbelly of ironstone echoing the site. The mid-palate slips into the girth of Barossa, imparting sweet purple fruits and weight. It is always easy, of course, to want less of what is on offer given a region's tendency toward fruity, heavy wines, yet the thrum of energy here delivers length, welcome restraint and serious complexity. The nose alone is worth the price! Drink or hold. 95 Points, JS, Jul 2023."

95 Points | James Suckling

"This is exceptional from first whiff. Full bodied, to be sure, yet the handling accentuates a furled tannic kit, quality oak and savvy work with whole bunches (35%) delivering a savoury tour de force iterated as black olive pith, tar, blood, clove, aniseed, mace and a ferrous underbelly of ironstone echoing the site. The mid-palate slips into the girth of Barossa, imparting sweet purple fruits and weight. It is always easy, of course, to want less of what is on offer given a region's tendency toward fruity, heavy wines, yet the thrum of energy here delivers length, welcome restraint and serious complexity. The nose alone is worth the price!"

95 Points | Ned Goodwin MW

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