S.C. Pannell
McLaren Vale Grenache
McLaren Vale, Fleurieu, South Australia, Australia
A rich crimson in colour. Aromas initially of fine quality leather but little fruit until you assess the palate which shows raspberry and mineral and fine grained Tannins with some grip. A good straight Grenache showing McLaren Vale to be the best source of pristine Grenache fruit in Australia IMO. I wouldn’t keep it for more than 5 more years but good drinking right now. Tasted again 13 weeks later on 22nd November with consistent notes although not as impressive or complex for some reason. Tasted again on 30th October 2021 which is 114 weeks after the first note here. My notes this time agree with the 2nd tasting here where it was not that impressive after 9 years of ageing. A little monolithic without nuance and without the youthful fruity exuberance of 2 years ago. Pannell remains one of Australia’s best and innovative winemakers. Only 89 points this time.
A rich crimson in colour. Aromas initially of fine quality leather but little fruit until you assess the palate which shows raspberry and mineral and fine grained Tannins with some grip. A good straight Grenache showing McLaren Vale to be the best source of pristine Grenache fruit in Australia IMO. I wouldn’t keep it for more than 5 more years but good drinking right now. Tasted again 13 weeks later on 22nd November with consistent notes although not as impressive or complex for some reason. Tasted again on 30th October 2021 which is 114 weeks after the first note here. My notes this time agree with the 2nd tasting here where it was not that impressive after 9 years of ageing. A little monolithic without nuance and without the youthful fruity exuberance of 2 years ago. Pannell remains one of Australia’s best and innovative winemakers. Only 89 points this time.
Aug 19th, 2019Dark crimson - darker than you would expect from an Aussie Grenache. After the first glass straight out of the bottle I decided to decant which it needed. Dusty raspberry notes on nose and palate - very pure. A brilliant dense concentrated 100% Grenache from Australia’s master of alternative varieties - Steve Pannell. Although in Australia Grenache is not that “alternative “ as this wine comes from 70 year old bush vines in McLaren Vale.
Dark crimson - darker than you would expect from an Aussie Grenache. After the first glass straight out of the bottle I decided to decant which it needed. Dusty raspberry notes on nose and palate - very pure. A brilliant dense concentrated 100% Grenache from Australia’s master of alternative varieties - Steve Pannell. Although in Australia Grenache is not that “alternative “ as this wine comes from 70 year old bush vines in McLaren Vale.
Mar 4th, 2019Notes of Raspberry. Restrained for an Aussie Red from McLaren Vale. From 70 year old dry grown bush vines. Medium bodied with fine tannins and showing its class from a good vintage.
Notes of Raspberry. Restrained for an Aussie Red from McLaren Vale. From 70 year old dry grown bush vines. Medium bodied with fine tannins and showing its class from a good vintage.
Jan 25th, 2017
Very restrained and enjoyable Aussie Grenache. Could easily blind as CDP. Earth, menthol, cough drops, and raspberry preserves. #strauliamate
Very restrained and enjoyable Aussie Grenache. Could easily blind as CDP. Earth, menthol, cough drops, and raspberry preserves. #strauliamate
Sep 13th, 2015This is a big Grenache. Pannell suggests decanting several hours before drinking which is good advice. Purple tinges to the colour. Youthful and bursting with energy. A fruit driven Aussie versus a more savoury complex CDP. Will live for ages. 18.
This is a big Grenache. Pannell suggests decanting several hours before drinking which is good advice. Purple tinges to the colour. Youthful and bursting with energy. A fruit driven Aussie versus a more savoury complex CDP. Will live for ages. 18.
Feb 4th, 20152012 vintage, still drinking very well. Turkish delight, chocolate and spice. Still has a firm grip which is impressive after 10 years. Cracking wine
2012 vintage, still drinking very well. Turkish delight, chocolate and spice. Still has a firm grip which is impressive after 10 years. Cracking wine
Jul 9th, 2022
Very nice McLaren Grenache.
Stephan Pannel always a warranty.
Probably I had to drink it a year earlier
Very nice McLaren Grenache.
Stephan Pannel always a warranty.
Probably I had to drink it a year earlier
Enjoying the balance and approachability. Not so intense but excellent length. Very drinkable and went well with roast lamb.
Enjoying the balance and approachability. Not so intense but excellent length. Very drinkable and went well with roast lamb.
Dec 28th, 2016
Not bad. A tad over priced given the quality I know of this producer.
Not bad. A tad over priced given the quality I know of this producer.
Oct 19th, 2016