S.C. Pannell
McLaren Vale Tempranillo Touriga
McLaren Vale, Fleurieu, South Australia, Australia
See previous notes on March 2020 and October 2020. This tasting was even better than those two tastings. At 10 years it is peaking. Sweet and savoury ripe plum and black cherry. So mellow, earthy and delicious. A brilliant wine from a brilliant winemaker. He certainly is the master of alternative varieties in this country - Steve Pannell. A lot like cool climate Shiraz and many would pick it as that in a blind tasting. A great match with Chicken Legs.
See previous notes on March 2020 and October 2020. This tasting was even better than those two tastings. At 10 years it is peaking. Sweet and savoury ripe plum and black cherry. So mellow, earthy and delicious. A brilliant wine from a brilliant winemaker. He certainly is the master of alternative varieties in this country - Steve Pannell. A lot like cool climate Shiraz and many would pick it as that in a blind tasting. A great match with Chicken Legs.
Jul 5th, 2023Dark Ruby in colour. Aromas of cherry and raspberry (Tempranillo) with Plum and Spice (Touriga). On the palate Raspberry pie with spice. So well balanced with medium plus intensity and length. Soft resolved Tannins. Very impressive. As mentioned in other notes Steve Pannell is probably the master of alternative varieties in Australia. He has nailed this Tempranillo/Touriga blend. Will buy regularly. Tasted again 29 weeks later on 4th October 2020 with similar notes. I haven’t researched if Tempranillo and Touriga Nacional are common blend on the Iberian Peninsula but they do appear to be quite complimentary - like Cabernet Merlot and Cabernet Shiraz (works well in Australia). Medium bodied. Dropped a point to 94 points.
Dark Ruby in colour. Aromas of cherry and raspberry (Tempranillo) with Plum and Spice (Touriga). On the palate Raspberry pie with spice. So well balanced with medium plus intensity and length. Soft resolved Tannins. Very impressive. As mentioned in other notes Steve Pannell is probably the master of alternative varieties in Australia. He has nailed this Tempranillo/Touriga blend. Will buy regularly. Tasted again 29 weeks later on 4th October 2020 with similar notes. I haven’t researched if Tempranillo and Touriga Nacional are common blend on the Iberian Peninsula but they do appear to be quite complimentary - like Cabernet Merlot and Cabernet Shiraz (works well in Australia). Medium bodied. Dropped a point to 94 points.
Mar 12th, 2020
In a way I feel the Touriga exerts itself more on the blend. It has the red fruit smoothness of Tempranillo but the lifted nose has violets and spice and the plum pudding, blackberry tinged powdery tannins lead the way through the back palate. Six of one, half a dozen of the other, but no matter who has the upper hand, ultimately this is a total winner. So drinkable with a homely spag bol, lifted, textured and full of fruit.
In a way I feel the Touriga exerts itself more on the blend. It has the red fruit smoothness of Tempranillo but the lifted nose has violets and spice and the plum pudding, blackberry tinged powdery tannins lead the way through the back palate. Six of one, half a dozen of the other, but no matter who has the upper hand, ultimately this is a total winner. So drinkable with a homely spag bol, lifted, textured and full of fruit.
1 person found it helpfulAug 18th, 2014
Really enjoy this. Plenty of rich fruit, a bit of Christmas-cakey spice and balanced with a nice acid line...
Really enjoy this. Plenty of rich fruit, a bit of Christmas-cakey spice and balanced with a nice acid line...
Feb 1st, 2015Juicy brambly black fruits with nice spice. Medium bodied.
Juicy brambly black fruits with nice spice. Medium bodied.
Jan 28th, 2015
Very fresh fruity nose. Tannin prominent but crisp. Vibrant full and fruity middle palate. Very drinkable.
Very fresh fruity nose. Tannin prominent but crisp. Vibrant full and fruity middle palate. Very drinkable.
Dec 31st, 2014
For 25 bucks this wine is a real standout for value. Forget body and structure, those details fall by the wayside because of how bloody yummy this wine is. Smooth and rich with notes of spice and violet. More importantly a sensational food pairing wine. Bravo señor Steve.
For 25 bucks this wine is a real standout for value. Forget body and structure, those details fall by the wayside because of how bloody yummy this wine is. Smooth and rich with notes of spice and violet. More importantly a sensational food pairing wine. Bravo señor Steve.
Dec 14th, 2014
Strong flavoured Tempranillo but Good with some meat
Strong flavoured Tempranillo but Good with some meat
Dec 12th, 2014