Translation missing: en.Thistledown + Beaujolais Recommendation + Just In: By Farr + Karu Distillery Tasting Friday 17th 5pm-7pm + Loire Valley Tasting Saturday 18th 3pm-6pm: Thistledown + Beaujolais Recommendation + Just In: By Farr + Karu Distillery Tasting Friday 17th 5pm-7pm + Loire Valley Tasting Saturday 18th 3pm-6pm
Master of Wine Giles Cook started Thistledown back in 2010 with a vision to craft wines of precision, elegance and energy that expressed their origins. Today they are considered one of the benchmarks in the region for high quality Grenache and Shiraz and have won a heap of awards for their efforts in shaping the landscape of not only McLaren Vale, but Australian wine.
Giles Cooke MW approach to winemaking includes entails a focus on old vines with judicial amounts of whole bunches in the fermentation and wild fermentations at that. Pure wines made from grapes, not wood.
We've just picked up some great value wines from Thistledown after tasting some a couple weeks ago.
The '25 'Gorgeous Grenache Blanc' is a beautiful expression of a severely underrated grape that has been picking up in popularity amongst savvy drinkers recently. Made in a mixture of concrete egg and used French barrels and spends 4 months on its lees for texture. This wine will appeal to punters and connoisseurs alike!
The '25 'Thorny Devil Grenache' is assembled from some choice sites around McLaren Vale, each fermented separately with up to 30% whole bunch before spending 10 months in old oak hogsheads. Anyone that likes Grenache will like this wine.
Finally, the '23 'Cunning Plan Shiraz' comes from a vineyard in the Flats of McLaren Vale and sees a 4 day soak before fermentation and then ages in 10% new French oak. Really good stuff.
Pick up any of these bangers to see the Thistledown hype for yourself!
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If you like Pinot Noir, try this Gamay from Chateau Cambon in Beaujolais
This organically farmed, naturally made Beaujolais is made from 80-year-old vines sourced from vineyards located between Morgon and Fleurie. Deliciously juicy, fresh and has depth and texture from the old gamay vines, while still remaining light-bodied and easy drinking.
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BY FARR
The By Farr estate is located in Moorabool Valley, about halfway between Geelong and Ballarat - a region that they've become synonymous with and helped put in the spotlight of wine-lovers around the world. Gary is one of the most significant figures in Australian wine, bringing his experience from Domain Dujac in Burgundy, Cristom in Oregon and Calera in California into his winemaking at home in the Geelong region. With such experience and passion for wine, it's easy to see how they make what legendary wine connoisseur Len Evans called “Australia’s best pinot”.
The microclimate of the Moorabool Valley is influenced by winds from the western plains and bracing sea breezes, which regulate the temperature on long, sunny days and cool the air overnight. This climate is key to producing naturally balanced, low-yield fruit that is rich in flavour. There are six different soils spread across the Farr property, with the two main types being rich, friable red and black volcanic loam, and limestone, which dominates the loam in some areas which provides good drainage and low fertility are crucial in ensuring small yields of intensely flavoured fruit. We've just brought 3 of these iconic wines By Farr for you: the '25 'Chardonnay' is easily one of the best in the country, elegant, fine and detailed. The '24 'Farrside Pinot Noir' is savoury and meaty while the iconic '24 'Sangreal' is dark and brooding. Grab some of Australia's best wines now!
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Friday 17th
5pm - 7pm
Annandale Cellars
Join us this Friday as we taste some of the unique spirits of Karu Distillery!
In 2015, founders Nick and Ally asked themselves a question many of us ponder: “If you could do anything for a living, what would it be?” Over a whisky, Ally voiced the thought that would change their lives: “Someone out there makes what we’re drinking for a living.”
That spark set them on a journey across Australia and around the world, learning the art and science of distilling while laying the groundwork for what would become Karu Distillery. Three years later, in 2018, their vision took shape with the release of their very first spirit which sold out instantly and kickstarted their journey in the world of spirits.
We'll be pouring: Karu Affinity Gin, Karu Morita Chipotle Vodka, Karu Rested Morita Chipotle Vodka.
Come down to the store and discover some great spirits!
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Saturday 18th
3pm - 6pm
Annandale Cellars
Join us this Saturday as we taste through 2 exciting producers from the Loire Valley of France: Benjamin Serer and Domaine des Sables Verts!
Benjamin Serer is one of the fresh new winemakers on the scene in Vouvray, formerly working as a chef under the late, great Alain Ducasse before moving into the Loire and working for some great estates. He started renting a plot of Chenin Blanc in 2019 which kickstarted his Domaine and bought some plots for himself in 2022 in some special areas of Vouvray, most notably, one right next to Domaine Huet's Clos du Bourg parcel! Benjamin's wines are distinct, fresh, mineral and best of all, heavily over-deliver on their price tag.
Domaine des Sables Verts was established by Caroline and Hervé in 2019 in Saumur-Champigny with holdings spanning 16 hectares of organically farmed grapes, with vines averaging 40 years old. These wines are detailed and fine and 100% deserving of more attention.
We’ll be pouring:
Benjamin Serer: Vouvray Methode Traditionnelle, Vouvray Sec 'Les Trois Chenes' and Vouvray Sec 'Les Grandes Dames'.
Domaine des Sables Verts: Saumur Blanc, Saumur-Champigny Rouge, Saumur-Champigny Rouge Les Poyeux.
Come down to the store and Discover Great Wine!