2024 Thistledown Charming Man Single Vineyard Clarendon Old Vine Grenache

Juicy, and energetic with red fruits framed by crunchy acidity and muscular tannins.

Red to dark red in colour with black toned edges and a vibrant red hue. Fragrant red raspberry and red liquorice aromas infused with fresh herbs sail through the nostrils trailed by some ripe cherry, crushed rock and peppered earth notes. Juicy, energetic red raspberry, red liquorice and cherry fruits are framed by crunchy acidity and muscular tannins. Crushed rock, vanillin spice and peppered earth elements lie underneath. Finishes tense, slightly grippy and vibrant yet long.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 13.5%

Other Reviews….
This is from the Smart vineyard in Clarendon. I just had Giles Cooke MW over for a tasting, and he’s a very nice man, I must say. This was the standout wine of the tasting, and the best since 2021, so starting at the top… Fermented in a concrete pyramid with 20% whole bunch in the mix.
Souk spices, red cherry, fresh raspberry, a bit stony and ferrous, Japanese ginger, rosehip, and gee, the aromatics here are quite something. Medium-bodied, a lovely tannin profile, mildly assertive but fine, with a pumice stone texture, acidity is pure with a cranberry crunch to it, and the finish is long and perfumed, with stony grip to close. This is a showstopper. Superb. Beautifully made and a bell-clear expression of Grenache. Drink 2025-2036+
96+ Points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front