Thistledown Wine Company
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FOOL ON THE HILL GRENACHE

Fool on the Hill Grenache 

Eden Valley, Barossa
As one of the 'outsiders' we’ve always been drawn to people with a similarly maverick streak – those willing to do things the hard way. But the path to success is rarely an even, linear one. Doubters, cynics and dilettantes line the path and it takes an iron will to continue on. When the destination is not yet known, or even in sight, one’s sanity may even be questioned. This only seeks to galvanise and to spur one forward.

The Fool on the Hill is sourced from two tiny plots of essentially dry grown bush-vine Grenache, planted by Joel Mattschoss, high in the Eden Valley on soils that require a vine to struggle. It’s a spectacular plot with an unusually bright future, though the impenetrable soils, lack of adequate water and exposure would have led all but the bravest to question the sense of the project. 
Thistledown Fool on the Hill Grenache, Eden Valley, Barossa
$95 | VIEW IN STORE
Tasting 
The signature Thistledown lifted aromatics are present but the palate offers more sinew and spice than those from McLaren Vale. Textural, almost chewy but polished dark cherry, mineral and warm spices carry through to a finish of incredible length. 

Suitable for vegetarians and vegans. 
Points & Awards

  • 96 points - Robert Parker Wine Advocate
  • 95 points - Vinous
  • 94 points - The Real Review
  • 93 points - Halliday Wine Companion
  • 93 points - JamesSuckling.com

  • 95 points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  • 95 points - JamesSuckling.com
  • 95 points - The Wine Front
  • 93 points - The Vintage Journal (Andrew Caillard MW)

Viticulture
One of the highest Grenache vineyards in South Australia at 550m, the meagre soils are strewn with pink quartz and ironstone. 3 clonal selections of Grenache have been planted in bush-vine form with only a little water to establish them. Still young by our standards, these small vines yield fruit with high intensity. 
Winemaking
The fruit was hand-picked early in the morning of 27th March before swift transport to the winery where we retained 20% whole bunches. A gentle ferment in concrete egg was followed by pressing to 500 litre 2nd and 3rd year French oak. 
All Vintages 
Click below to download tasting notes in PDF format.
2022 2021
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