Description
Steve Pannell is unquestionably one of the modern masters of Grenache. Now, with his own little piece of hallowed turf in the Blewitt Springs sub-region secured, his Grenache journey is far from over.
His 2022 single vineyard releases are some of his best work to date. Here you can sample a bottle each of these three outstanding wines.
- 2022 S.C. Pannell Smart Vineyard Grenache
- 2022 S.C. Pannell Old McDonald Grenache
- 2022 S.C. Pannell Little Branch Grenache
2022 S.C. Pannell Smart Vineyard Grenache
This is the much-anticipated follow-up to our 2023 DD Wine of the Year, and it's another absolute beauty!
The Smart Vineyard Grenache comes from the high-altitude Clarendon region of McLaren Vale and was established by the iconic McLaren Vale grape-growing figure Bernie Smart. The 67-year-old bush vines grow in 750 million-year-old soils of laminated dark and green siltstone at 230 meters above sea level, giving this wine remarkable depth, complexity and energy.
Stephen Pannell’s winemaking approach is all about showcasing the fruit. The grapes are hand-harvested and fermented with 20% whole bunches. The wine undergoes regular pump overs in stainless steel before being aged in old French oak vats and puncheons. This minimal intervention allows the wine to reflect its unique terroir.
It's full of cherries, rhubarb, and raspberry, with nutty aromas and hints of red licorice and caramelized sugar. The palate is strong and vibrant, with a tannic structure that’s bold yet refined.
It's a firmer and more structured beast in 2022, but yet another outstanding release of one of our favourite Australian wines. Get some while you can!
96 points
"From a wonderful old-vine site in Clarendon that stretches the possibilities of grenache. Wonderful stuff built for the cellar."
- Ned Goodwin (James Suckling)
2022 S.C. Pannell Old McDonald Grenache
This is the original S.C. Pannell Grenache, and it truly does embody the essence of McLaren Vale. It comes from the Plaisted’s Vineyard, where 80-year-old vines grow on 50 million-year-old Maslin Beach sands at 80 meters above sea level. This lower altitude slightly warmer site and very old vines give the wine incredible depth and a robust flavor profile.
Pannell employs a bit of whole bunch fermentation and ages the wine in old French oak vats. The grapes are hand-harvested and delicately crushed, with the wine left on skins for 15 days before a gentle press. It’s all about letting the vineyard’s natural character come through with minimal intervention.
On the palate, you’ll find dark fruit flavors like blackberry and dark cherry, complemented by savory notes of chorizo, sweet paprika, and hints of blood orange and pomegranate. There’s also a touch of Turkish delight, adding an exotic twist. Lovely soft tannins complete the picture.
The 2022 Old MacDonald Grenache is a flavour-packed and complex wine, probably the richest of the SCP Grenache trio, that beautifully captures the unique wine that is McLaren Vale Grenache.
97 points
"This vintage, a cool year and a fine one, the pinnacle Pannell grenache wines need extra time. This, from Blewitt Springs, and 80-year-old vines, is majestic, corseted to a degree by the commanding tannins of the year, but not diminished by them. The Pannell mandate of preservation of freshness is still on full display, if with some initial reticence. Redcurrant, rosehip, raspberry leaf tea, crushed rose, bergamot, dried orange peel, musk, mace and white pepper – so layered – underscored by a bass note of old-vine depth serenely cruising in low gear, in no rush, quietly confident. It’s a stunning expression."
- Marcus Ellis (Halliday Wine Companion)95 points
"This is an immense wine, typical of the style that defines the region, which produces some of the very finest expressions of grenache in the world."
- Ned Goodwin (James Suckling)
2022 S.C. Pannell Little Branch Grenache
Introducing the debut release of Steve Pannell's new baby, the stunning 2022 Little Branch Grenache.
Pannell purchased this gem of a vineyard in the Blewitt Springs dress-circle 2021, which boasts ancient Maslin Beach sands and 30-year-old vines. These vines, combined with the unique ironstone-flecked soils at 140 meters above sea level, bring a lot of character to this wine.
As always, Pannell employs traditional techniques like whole bunch fermentation and aging in old French oak vats. The wine is fermented with a small percentage of whole clusters and left on skins for 13 days before being pressed and matured. This hands-off approach really lets the vineyard’s natural qualities shine through.
When you take a sip, you’re hit with bright red fruits like raspberry and strawberry, followed by a complex array of spices—cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and cassia. There’s a hint of toffee apple and spun sugar, finishing with musk and rose oil. The texture is smooth and sophisticated, with stealthy tannins that build up slowly, leaving a lasting impression.
A remarkable first Little Branch release from Steve, and surely a wine to watch and collect for many years to come. Extremely limited.
97 points
"This is an impactful grenache made by somebody who prizes Italian wines. The tannins are an immense force field, with kirsch, strawberries and dried Mediterranean herbs, and a note of almond husk that gives noble bitterness. The density, poise and grace are thoroughly impressive. This is a structured grenache built for the cellar."
- Ned Goodwin (James Suckling)
S.C. Pannell
Visionary winemaker Stephen Charles Pannell Discover S.C. Pannell
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