It is sad that few people understand naturally made, individual wines.
Technology has progressed to the point that far too many wines
lack the taste of their place of origin, and resemble one another.
- Gerard Chave - Domaine JL Chave, Hermitage.
Among the more exciting suites of wine to pass my tasting bench in years.
Thomas St Vincent wines are hugely influenced by the greatest wines of the Rhone and Provence.
I (Ned) don't say that lightly.
Winemaker Gary Thomas has tasted a trove of the greatest wines in the world, including Rayas -
And it shows. These wines suggest a craftsperson deeply versed in the philosophy of terroir
as much as in the pragmatic mechanics of winemaking.
This is the sturm and drang of the Alpilles, the Dentelles and the Pyrenees, washed onto the foreshores of the Gulf of Saint Vincent and delivered intuitively to the glass.
- Ned Goodwin MW
Thomas St Vincent is... Thomas [the maker], St Vincent [the Gulf].
A significant geographic influence on the place of origin.
The Gulf St Vincent moderates the climate of South Australia's finest wine regions.
Along with the Southern Ocean, the Gulf St Vincent surrounds the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Fleurieu is a spectrum of mesoclimates.
Blewitt Springs is one of these. A specific terroir. A place of origin.
Defined by generally deep pale sands, over iron rich rock outcrops and clay subsoils.
Still subject to a moderating maritime influence, but more inland.
A higher altitude. A mostly south facing aspect at its defining ridge lines.
As a result Blewitt Springs is usually cooler, slower to ripen, than surrounding mesoclimates.
Specifically this relates to varietals adapted to warm mildly arid Mediterranean climates.
Wines made from the dominant Grenache, Syrah and later ripening Mourvèdre, benefit.
Seasoning with other later ripeners, Counoise, Cinsaut, Carignan and Morrastel adds complexity.
They evoke and retain with age, particularly intense, precise and delineated flavours and aromas. Holding a fresh mouth watering edge. Expressing that they are from this place.
A well defined, specific and recognised terroir.
As vine growing was contemplated within the wider region, Blewitt Springs was one of the earliest localities planted. The deep sands allowed vines to explore quickly, and establish successfully.
Without the need for supplementary irrigation.
Many early vines survive, by their deep root systems and self sufficiency for moisture and nutrients.
The wines produced from them at once rival, but also acknowledge their cultivated homelands; France's Rhône Valley, Provence and Languedoc.
These are aspirational benchmarks for vinosity; the subtle blending of varietals to a savoury complexity; concentration, texture, balance, and a rustic, robust, unpretentious charm.
The aim is to intrigue, but not to overwhelm the senses, when taken in moderation.
Wine is to be savoured, but respected too. It is nature.
The term eleveur is used on the label. One who raises wine.
Benefiting from the care, and attention to detail of the conscientious grape grower.
Also from the legacy of especially long established vines.
We acknowledge those with foresight, who have gone before.
Access to this fruit is a privilege.
The wine expressed represents a journey.
And is a reward. For the hard work of many, over time.
It is also a happy accident. Of nature.
Your choice to find your way here is appreciated.
Technology has progressed to the point that far too many wines
lack the taste of their place of origin, and resemble one another.
- Gerard Chave - Domaine JL Chave, Hermitage.
Among the more exciting suites of wine to pass my tasting bench in years.
Thomas St Vincent wines are hugely influenced by the greatest wines of the Rhone and Provence.
I (Ned) don't say that lightly.
Winemaker Gary Thomas has tasted a trove of the greatest wines in the world, including Rayas -
And it shows. These wines suggest a craftsperson deeply versed in the philosophy of terroir
as much as in the pragmatic mechanics of winemaking.
This is the sturm and drang of the Alpilles, the Dentelles and the Pyrenees, washed onto the foreshores of the Gulf of Saint Vincent and delivered intuitively to the glass.
- Ned Goodwin MW
Thomas St Vincent is... Thomas [the maker], St Vincent [the Gulf].
A significant geographic influence on the place of origin.
The Gulf St Vincent moderates the climate of South Australia's finest wine regions.
Along with the Southern Ocean, the Gulf St Vincent surrounds the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Fleurieu is a spectrum of mesoclimates.
Blewitt Springs is one of these. A specific terroir. A place of origin.
Defined by generally deep pale sands, over iron rich rock outcrops and clay subsoils.
Still subject to a moderating maritime influence, but more inland.
A higher altitude. A mostly south facing aspect at its defining ridge lines.
As a result Blewitt Springs is usually cooler, slower to ripen, than surrounding mesoclimates.
Specifically this relates to varietals adapted to warm mildly arid Mediterranean climates.
Wines made from the dominant Grenache, Syrah and later ripening Mourvèdre, benefit.
Seasoning with other later ripeners, Counoise, Cinsaut, Carignan and Morrastel adds complexity.
They evoke and retain with age, particularly intense, precise and delineated flavours and aromas. Holding a fresh mouth watering edge. Expressing that they are from this place.
A well defined, specific and recognised terroir.
As vine growing was contemplated within the wider region, Blewitt Springs was one of the earliest localities planted. The deep sands allowed vines to explore quickly, and establish successfully.
Without the need for supplementary irrigation.
Many early vines survive, by their deep root systems and self sufficiency for moisture and nutrients.
The wines produced from them at once rival, but also acknowledge their cultivated homelands; France's Rhône Valley, Provence and Languedoc.
These are aspirational benchmarks for vinosity; the subtle blending of varietals to a savoury complexity; concentration, texture, balance, and a rustic, robust, unpretentious charm.
The aim is to intrigue, but not to overwhelm the senses, when taken in moderation.
Wine is to be savoured, but respected too. It is nature.
The term eleveur is used on the label. One who raises wine.
Benefiting from the care, and attention to detail of the conscientious grape grower.
Also from the legacy of especially long established vines.
We acknowledge those with foresight, who have gone before.
Access to this fruit is a privilege.
The wine expressed represents a journey.
And is a reward. For the hard work of many, over time.
It is also a happy accident. Of nature.
Your choice to find your way here is appreciated.
Copyright © Thomas St Vincent