2021 Koomilya Cabernet Touriga

When Steve Pannell began to graft over some vines in the historic Koomilya vineyard to Touriga Nacional he didn't envisage blending it with the established workhorse Cabernet Sauvignon. But experimentation bore fruit and he found a lovely synergy between these two sturdy varieties.

The 2021 Koomilya Cabernet Touriga is Stephen Pannell’s answer to the future of McLaren Vale blending. Combining 75% Cabernet Sauvignon with 25% Touriga Nacional, this blend offers an unexpected synergy. Cassis, blackcurrant, and cigar box notes from the Cabernet are lifted by the floral, aromatic charm of Touriga. The structure builds steadily, leading to a crescendo of ripe fruit before a glossy, lingering finish.

Critics are enchanted by this blend’s unexpected success. Marcus Ellis from Wine Companion awarded it 97 points, noting its "agreeably old school" feel, with plush blue and red florals, dark chocolate, and sea-salt-sprayed rocks balancing the ripeness of the fruit. He described it as "complex, layered, and abundant," capturing the wine’s savoury yet decadent appeal. This is a wine that not only highlights the strengths of Cabernet Sauvignon but also elevates them through the inclusion of Touriga Nacional—a grape traditionally used in Portuguese wines but proving its worth in McLaren Vale’s soils.

Whether you’re a fan of classic Cabernet or looking for something a little more daring, this wine offers a fresh take on tradition and a glimpse into the future. A stunningly good wine but that's no surprise - we've long since been Pannell fans.

97 points
“There’s something agreeably old school about this, but it’s also clearly the product of a refined approach, in both vineyard and winery... Complex, layered and abundant, but savoury with it. What a lovely bottle this is.”
– Marcus Ellis (Wine Companion, August 2024)

96 points
"There’s something about the way these two tannin forward varieties interlock and expand that really works, delivering beautifully plush dark fruit with real low end tension and torque."
- Nick Ryan (The Weekend Australian)

95 points
"The Touriga rides high here giving the wine a Port-like violet perfume, raspberry, blackcurrant, a jubey pop of fruit, five spice and oyster shell and new car smell (leather seats, a given)... Such fun. So interesting and distinctive. I love it."
- Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)