McLaren Vale is arguably home to Australia's finest Grenache, a grape whose popularity is very definitely on the rise. This is a succulent beauty from the very popular Black Pig family. It's always fun when any member of The Black Pig family come to call – especially when it's as attractive and vibrant as this one!

NEW vibrant exclusive Grenache – from Grenache Kings at the super impressive Thistledown Wines! In the 2026 Halliday Wine Awards Giles Cooke’s Thistledown picked up THREE Trophies – including Best Wine of the Year – for his 99pt 2024 This Charming Man Grenache. Earlier this year, the estate bagged FOUR Trophies, including Wine of Show (again for a Grenache) PLUS the title of Bushing Monarch at the prestigious McLaren Vale Wine Show. Thistledown was set up by Giles Cooke MW, who now owns the business along with longtime right-hand man Paddy Gilhooly, and his wife Laura Samson. It’s No.16 in Halliday’s Top Australian Wineries, in The Real Review's TOP 10 Australian wineries and “…is in the Grenache vanguard, but much more… brilliant Thistledown is on track to be even more exciting…” Giles works with a network of trusted growers, both to show off the strength and traits of single sites – and also varietal integrity, through wines using fruit from multiple spots. Just like this one. Sometimes winemakers seem capable of magic – turning grapes into amazing wine. The name Wizard & Farmer honours the invaluable role that the humble grape farmer plays in this mystical alchemy – a magical collaboration that’s produced this delicious contemporary Grenache. It's supple, succulent and silky, with fragrant redcurrant and pomegranate fruit laced with warm exotic spices. Fresh, pure bright and very versatile – drink it chilled or in front of a fire.

Dive into this 93pt medley of Rhône varieties from McLaren Vale's great Yangarra Estate! “34% Grenache Noir, 31% Carignan, 20% Cinsault, 8% Counoise 5% Shiraz and 2% Mourvèdre…Peter Fraser… ensured the Shiraz and Mourvèdre were fermented separately and this has produced a wine full of enchantment. A real mosaic of brambly black fruits and wildly exotic red hibiscus and rose bud. Davidson plum, Acai and crushed black coal… This wine feels like its other worldly, delightfully nuanced and a real treat for adventurous drinkers, or those that appreciate wine that ticks all the boxes. Serve with Malaysian Lamb Rendang. 93pts.” (Shantah Wale, WinePilot). “Arguably the best site in Blewitt Springs, and, indeed, exceedingly beautiful, Yangarra Estate is undeniably one of the most consistent and remarkable producers in McLaren Vale.” (Halliday) It was established in 2000, and with vineyards biodynamically certified, it specialises in Southern Rhône varieties. “With deep sadness, the Australian wine industry farewelled one of its greats when winemaker Peter Fraser tragically passed at the end of ’25. The tapestry of McLaren Vale vine will forever be richer for the knowledge, time and skill he imparted." (KATRINA BUTLER, The Halliday Wine Companion).

PF= Preservative Free, but might also stand for 'purple florals'. "You’ll find the Yangarra generosity here in a spiced laden Grenache full of blackberries, blueberries and prune plums. There is a boysenberry jam kick with clove, bay leaf and bitter cocoa. The wine is slippery on the palate with powdery tannins and a juicy frame. Slosh around in a decanter to make the most of those purple florals. Serve with beef and black bean stir fry. 92pts” (Shanteh Wale, WinePilot). “Arguably the best site in Blewitt Springs, and, indeed, exceedingly beautiful, Yangarra Estate is undeniably one of the most consistent and remarkable producers in McLaren Vale.” (Halliday) It was established in 2000, and with vineyards biodynamically certified, it specialises in Southern Rhône varieties. “With deep sadness, the Australian wine industry farewelled one of its greats when winemaker Peter Fraser tragically passed at the end of ’25. The tapestry of McLaren Vale vine will forever be richer for the knowledge, time and skill he imparted." (KATRINA BUTLER, The Halliday Wine Companion).

We love this thoroughly satisfying Single Vineyard rosé from Adelaide Hills and gifted winemaker Steve Grimley. Steve is rightly enthusiastic in describing it: "The colour is beautiful, super bright and icy on the edges. If you grabbed a fresh green apple from the fridge, dipped it in toffee and had the teeth to tuck in, you’ll catch an express to your first sip, likely your second as well. It’s not cuddly soft, likely the extra skin contact has added some phenolic grip, personally I like this, especially when it’s knitted together with some genuine mid palate sweetness that exits before the end." It is delicious! Steve also mentions: "This is the best wine ever made off Zimmer’s Vineyard and that includes the 2011 which someone like Wine Spectator claimed to be ‘one of the 10 wines you need to try if you think you know Australian Wine’. Fruit if from a single site of Grenache planted in the 1960’s in super sandy soils. It was hand picked first up in the morning, straight into a pneumatic press, left on skins for the rest of the day before being pressed into tank. Settled then racked with ‘fluffy’ lees before fermenting at <21 C until dry. Only 119.58 Cases botted 11th of June.

Enjoy a "…delicious Barossa GSM… It is plush, silky, opulent and generous – what is not to like about that!" says Ken Gargett, WinePilot. "The flavours weave through chocolate, coffee beans, dry herbs, cassis and blackberries. The supple texture and seamless structure provide a solid base for a really likeable red blend and we see more chocolate emerging on the palate. A wine with impressive length, this will drink beautifully for at least the next ten to twelve years. 94pts." Ray Jordan, also writing in WinePilot agrees: "“A plush and generous blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre. Seductive floral perfumes of rose petal and stewed plum. The palate is a polished combination of supple fruit, fine chalky tannins and a gentle touch of oak. Displays an earthy red fruit flavour combo with a little dried herb and sage-like character on a palate that is medium weight and harmonious. 93pts.” (Ray Jordan) It boasts several high scores up to 95pts.