2018 S.C. Pannell Grenache Shiraz Touriga

Stephen Pannell has had a long and distinguished career in the wine industry. He earned his stripes working with some Australia’s iconic wineries including Wirra Wirra, Hardy’s Tintara and BRL Hardy, where he was Chief Red Winemaker from 1999 to 2003. He has also worked numerous overseas vintages at such places as Domaine des Comtes Lafon in Burgundy, Chateau Mouton Rothschild in Bordeaux and G.D. Vajra in Barolo. Since the inception of his own label in the early 2000’s, he has won the Jimmy Watson trophy and been voted Gourmet Traveller winemaker of the year.

Rich, powerful and chewy this is a real Chateauneuf du Pape look a like.

A blend 60% Grenache, 27% Shiraz and 13% Touriga Nacional. Two of S.C. Pannell’s best blocks of Shiraz and Grenache were co-fermented in small open fermenters with 12 days on skins before gentle pressing. The Touriga was fermented separately and blended back post fermentation. Malolactic conversion took place in puncheon before maturation in French oak vat and puncheon.
Deep dark red black in colour with a dark red hue. Dark to black raspberry and liquorice aromas mix with black cherries, fresh herb, scorched earth and spicy pepper notes. Rich and weighty, the Chateaunuef du Pape like palate is a concentrate of black raspberry, black cherry and liquorice fruits infused with herbs du Provence. Meaty yet opulent in its feel, notions of scorched earth and spicy dried meats also chime in to provide additional interest. Superb power and depth. Ripe chewy tannins and bright acidity providing ample structure to the long juicy yet robust aftertaste. A serious but irresistibly drinkable blend.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews….
This trio has come together well to create a savoury, buoyant style. A core of tangy-tart-ripe fruit shines through with rose petal and red licorice aromatics. Layered up with squid ink, mace and patchouli working across the medium-bodied palate, grainy tannins in tow. Drink by 2026.
95 points
Jane Faulkner – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion