THISTLEDOWN WINES Cunning Plan Shiraz, McLaren Vale

Stephen Pannell grew up in the wine industry as a member of the family which founded Moss Wood in 1967. Stephen's extensive knowledge and experience has been garnered over the years from his work with many of Australia's best wineries (including Wirra Wirra, Hardy's Tintara and BRL Hardy where he was Chief Red Winemaker from 1999 to 2003) and numerous vintages overseas at such places as Domaine des Comtes Lafon in Burgundy, Chateau Mouton Rothschild in Bordeaux and G.D.Vajra in Barolo. Other highlights in Stephen's career include winning the title of International Red Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine Challenge in London, winning the Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy at the Royal Melbourne Wine Show, twice winning the Max Schubert Trophy at the Adelaide Wine Show as well as being listed as one of the 50 most influential contributors to the world of wine by Decanter Magazine.

Matured in a mixture of old French oak puncheons and large format oak for 10 months with 15% whole bunch inclusion. Deep black as night heart with a dark purple hue. Blossoming out of the glass are scents of freshly crushed blackberries, liquorice and black cherries followed by some fragrant fresh herb notes, fennel and peppered meats. Juicy blackberry, liquorice and dark raspberry fruits are layered across the medium bodied palate with infusions of herbs du Provence, scorched earth and pepper lying underneath. Polished tannin structure finishing with good freshness and a refined mid length aftertaste. Drink over the next 5-6 years. Alc. 14.3%

A tight and complex bouquet of dried plum, fresh almond, blood plum, smoked meats, concentrated cherry, blueberry preserve, ginger, glazed prune and clove. In all pretty it’s thrilling, what greets you on the palate flows through to the palate, with a band of deep but amazingly light fruits, an ironstone searing penetration builds up and then slowly flows away, the fruit depth here is admiral and the balance is so pure that this will age quite effortlessly for an extended time.

Smoky Cigar McLaren Vale Shiraz is rich and lively. Secret Selection shows all the hallmarks of a big brand style and characteristic associated with luxcury region.Plummy, ripe cherries with freshly crack pepper, mixed with spicy cedar oak in the background. A classic shiraz would not to be missed.

This is old vine McLaren Vale Shiraz skillfully blended with older vine grenache. The palate is full of spice and black fruits with an alluring undertone of red fruits dervived from the significant grenache content. This is the sixth release of this multi award winning red that is sure to please everyone in the room.