Thistledown have been working with this grower for a number of years and though all of his fruit is very solid, one particular block always stood out, irrespective of the year. In 2020 they carefully hand-picked a portion of the block allowing them to do whole bunch ferments which added another dimension to the already epic fruit. 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 mouth filling yet succulent, energetic finish.
James Halliday - 96pts "Sourced from a single, propitiously sited block in Ebenezer. Hand picked, fermented spontaneously with a seasoning of whole bunches, before maturation in French wood. Subdued aromas of blueberry, licorice, clove, dried nori, sassafras and kirsch. Plenty of oomph. But classy. No jam, or overt angles. The acidity, briny. The tannins, an immaculate sheath, as polished as it is detailed, articulating the fruit and spicy underbelly as a long, chinotto-soused finish. This opens up nicely with time, becoming floral. But still a nascent proposition, needing a whack into a decanter. Superlative, full-bodied shiraz, for those who appreciate structure and refinement. 96 Points, NG(MW), September 2022." Robert Parker - 96pts "The fruit profile here is very, very different to the 2020 Where Eagles Dare (Eden Valley). The Ebenezer region provides red dirt and bloody meat with ease; here, the 2020 Bachelor's Block Ebenezer Shiraz brings the earth right into the glass, but it couches it in a way that it seems supple and sophisticated. This is plush and thrilling and, most importantly, satisfying, because when great wine hits all of these marks, it's a reason to get excited. 96 Points, EL, September 2022."
Barossa, Australia 100% Shiraz Vegan 14.5% ABV
Food Pairing Pairs with grilled meats, whether steaks, hamburger, sausage, or lamb; pizza, game such as venison, boar, or pheasant.
All of our wines are available from our shop in the beautiful market town of Hitchin, North Hertfordshire. Drop by and browse the shelves and maybe taste a glass, or two...
