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Description
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 & Top 100 Wines of the Year
"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)
