2023 Wild & Wilder The Opportunist Shiraz

By Thistledown is all about good, clean fun. Founded by Giles Cooke MW and Fergal Tynan MW they work hand-in-hand with their merry (in a good season) band of growers, they craft wines of supreme quality without taking it too seriously. Their ethos is great fruit, grown by great people and made with love. Produced from fruit grown on properties owned by Langhorne Creek stalwarts, Brett Cleggett and George Borrett. Vines are 25 years old, VSP/ spur pruned, on red brown sandy loams with clay base, some quartz and limestone. Whole berries retained to preserve fruit quality and maximise fruit expression.

As for all of the wines, the fruit for the Opportunist is picked on the way up to ripeness rather than on the way down. This way they achieve freshness and energy but not at the expense of flavour. Winemaking is simple and is followed by 8 months on oak to increase texture and varietal expression.

Tasting Note: An aromatic bouquet of ripe fruits, cherries and blackcurrants, with notes of freshly ground coffee, dark chocolate, peppermint, liquorice and subtle pepper. Thick and smooth with good balanced fruit weight.

Food match: Beef stews, entrecôte or a crispy Thai beef salad.