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From the foothills of McLaren Vale this blend shows the generosity of Shiraz combined with the earthiness of Mataro to make a plump, well rounded blend thats generous and warm. A perfect wine for a chargrilled steak

THISTLEDOWN WINES Cunning Plan Shiraz, McLaren Vale

Lovers of classic Vale shiraz will adore this! It’s big, rich & round (we’re salivating already and offers loads of inky goodness to get lost in. Plush, chewy berries with hints of peppery spice and leather float intriguingly across the palate. Plums, blueberries and juicy black cherries dominate the fruit spectrum in that inimitable Vale dark coffee-cake profile. It’ll get even more attractive in a few years, but I, for one, won’t be able to keep my hands off it.

Ben Riggs is McLaren Vale royalty. This is the wine of a maker in his prime. Known by all, and perhaps the envy of a few. This wine is superfine and mega satisfying. Made in small batches, this has the classic fruitcake richness you’d expect, with surprising elegance, tasteful French oak and a savoury spice finish. It’s long and supple, rich enough for some lip-smacking satisfaction, but not overweight or tiresome. A bright streak of acidity keeps things fresh and exciting. No wonder so many mofos come back for more (and more, and more).

Geoff Johnston, an absolute icon of McLaren Vale. To know his name is to know the region, thanks to the devotion of talented and hard working wine growers, a collective who single-handedly put this unassuming beachside region on a global stage. In honour of his 50th vintage, this wine speaks to Geoff’s character: determined, endearing, and engaging. Geoff planted shiraz with his old man ‘Digby’ back in 1971, and today, this block of vines shows so much character reminiscent of time and place. Shiraz like this is knee-weakeningly good. Upfront dark fruits; plums and blackberries, carried along with mocha tones before reaching peaks of vanilla and spice (and all things nice). Just like the person it celebrates, this wine is all about a father and his son’s legacy. A celebration of family, in the wine game for the long haul.

Well, we’re surprised to see you here. That is, reading us babble on further about why this wine is so great. I mean.... look at that value? For a McLaren Vale shiraz with 96pts? From a bloody outstanding producer? We say, say no more!! But if you’re not convinced yet, it is: 12 days on skins plunging thrice daily for full-throttle texture and flavour (not to mention the colour and tannins!), 20 months in French oak with all parcels kept separate and only blended to the highest standard. The vibrant core of wild berries, rich, savoury dark chocolate, and cedar notes complement. Sounds pretty good to us, are you convinced yet?

It’s safe to say this wine is a ‘shoe-in’. Multiple vintages of this exact vino have rushed into our warehouse and zoomed straight back out and to your front door faster than you can say ‘shiraz blended with cab sav and a splash of cab franc’. At its core, we have all the plush dark berries, plums and chocolatey goodness that you’d expect from Mclaren Vale. But the blend of cabernets is what lifts this drop way above entry level, firm tannins and a liveliness on the back palate provide wonderful length and serious structure; perfect to pair with your good old fashioned Sunday roast lamb with all the trimmings.