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.