Description
Crafted by legendary winemaker Stephen Pannell, these wines are a pure expression of McLaren Vale’s Upper Tintara, offering something more than just wine—they’re a piece of history. Koomilya is an organically farmed, 35-hectare site that Stephen has personally nurtured, ensuring the wines are a direct reflection of the land.
This release is extremely limited—only 24 bottles of the GT, JC, and DC Block Shiraz are available, each showcasing a unique take on McLaren Vale Shiraz. These wines are critically acclaimed, with scores up to 98 points, and they offer balance, complexity, and ageing potential
- 2021 Koomilya JC Block Shiraz
- 2021 Koomilya DC Block Shiraz
- 2021 Koomilya GT Block Shiraz
2021 Koomilya JC Block Shiraz
The 2021 JC Block Shiraz is a commanding wine from 49-year-old vines planted on iron-rich, slaty siltstone soils. This block was the first Stephen Pannell worked with during his tenure at Hardys, named after Jill Cant, one of Koomilya’s former custodians.
The JC Block Shiraz has an explosive aromatic profile—dark cherries in syrup, black pepper, red liquorice, and the unmistakable iodine character of Koomilya. These rich scents are underpinned by powerful tannins and the ferruginous flavours of the Upper Tintara district, giving the wine a distinct mineral-driven complexity.
Ned Goodwin MW described the JC Block as a "glorious, absolutely unique expression of full-bodied Shiraz," awarding it 97 points for its seamless balance between firm tannins, soaring florals, and aromatic spices. Marcus Ellis from Wine Companion was similarly captivated, giving it 98 points and praising its "deep, brooding" character, noting the wine's intriguing blend of dusky red fruits, blood, iron, and fine, supple tannins. Ellis declared it "one heck of a wine" and picked it as his standout of the 2021 vintage, reflecting its layered, seductive appeal, as did Gary Walsh in his 97 point review.
This is a wine built for the long haul—its depth and structure mean it will continue to evolve beautifully over the years. For serious collectors or Shiraz enthusiasts, this is a must-buy as one of the finest Shiraz Pannell has crafted to date.
98 points
“There really are no other wines that taste like the Koomilya shiraz triad, being utterly individual and beguiling wines of place. This, my pick of the vintage... It’s one heck of a wine.”
– Marcus Ellis (Wine Companion, August 2024)
97 points
"The finish is so long and beautifully textured. Wow. What a wine."
- Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)
97 points
“A glorious, absolutely unique expression of full-bodied shiraz.”
– Ned Goodwin MW (JamesSuckling.com, March 2024)
2021 Koomilya DC Block Shiraz
This is a very special release for virtuoso winemaker, Steve Pannell. The 2021 DC Block Shiraz comes from the original plot that gave Koomilya its cult status. Named after Don Cant, a previous owner, this wine is all about tension and power.
Grown on slaty siltstone flecked with ironstone, the DC Block is the darkest and most intense of the trio. Aromas of brine, charcuterie, Satsuma plum, and Russian caravan tea swirl together, offering a savoury, almost umami experience on the nose. On the palate, it bursts with energy—cranberry, pomegranate, and sandalwood textures meld seamlessly with its coiled tannic structure, creating a wine that’s both full of power and elegantly poised.
Critics have been universally impressed by the DC Block's tension and depth. Marcus Ellis awarded it 97 points, praising its "brilliant" interplay of savoury tannins, sour cherry, and warm spice, noting that it’s expansive yet serene with beautifully extracted tannins. Meanwhile, Ned Goodwin MW echoed the sentiment, awarding 96 points, and describing its notes of rosewater, cherries, and dried lavender as "immaculate," pointing to the wine’s "toothsome" appeal and serious ageing potential.
With only 24 bottles available, the DC Block, with its balance of elegance and weight will appeal to those who appreciate a wine that can deliver both immediate pleasure and long-term complexity. A wine for the real collectors, this is premium McLaren Vale Shiraz at its seductive best.
97 points
“The fruit swoops in on the palate, expansive but serene, with ripples of texture, tannins extracted masterfully, caressing, savoury but not drying, quietly commanding. Brilliant.”
– Marcus Ellis (Wine Companion, August 2024)
96 points
“A historic site of old vines and meager, low-yielding soils. The wines are perfumed and immaculate, with no lack of structural components. They have the capacity to age, but most of all a winning toothsomeness demanding a revisit to the glass.”
– Ned Goodwin MW (JamesSuckling.com, March 2024)
96 points
"A beautiful and distinctive expression of Australian Shiraz. Yes."
- Gary Walsh (The wine Front)
2021 Koomilya GT Block Shiraz
The 2021 Koomilya GT Block Shiraz is an expressive, energetic wine from 33-year-old vines once grafted onto Gewürztraminer, hence its "GT" moniker. Grown on ancient slaty siltstone laminated with ironstone, this is beautiful Shiraz, with complex aromas of red cherry, raspberry, crushed spices, and woodsmoke.
Hand-harvested and vinified with native yeast and 20% whole bunches, it undergoes extended fermentation on skins before settling in large French oak.
Ned Goodwin MW awarded it 97 points, praising its saline and licorice-tinged tannins and its ageing potential, calling it "a true exploration of a great terroir." Meanwhile, Marcus Ellis of Wine Companion lauded its fragrant lift, spiced panforte and orange peel notes, describing it as the "most lifted and fragrant of the Koomilya Shiraz triad" and scoring it a commendable 96 points.
For those in search of a distinctive Shiraz with savoury complexity, the GT Block Shiraz offers a window into Stephen Pannell’s vision of modern McLaren Vale winemaking.
97 points
“This wine is typical of Koomilya in terms of its iodine, anise and blueberry notes, but without the dramatic mid-palate sweetness of other wines from this site... A true exploration of a great terroir.”
– Ned Goodwin MW (JamesSuckling.com, March 2024)
96 points
"This is a distinctive wine, and yes, we often say it, but it seems the Shiraz carries the memory of the Gewurtz of its roots... a distinctly stony and ‘mineral’ feel, with a supple dark red fruit finish of superb length, offering a flourish of perfume and spice to close. Superb wine."
- Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)
96 points
“This is the least upholstered of the block trio, which is neither here nor there, but there is a certain drive and relative lightness that distinguishes it as something quite individual, and also quite special.”
– Marcus Ellis (Wine Companion, August 2024)
S.C. Pannell
Visionary winemaker Stephen Charles Pannell Discover S.C. Pannell
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