2021 S.C. Pannell Grenache Shiraz Touriga, McLaren Vale

This takes an Iberian angle on a more familiar regional blend, suffusing the red-berried grenache with powdery purple florals, an earthy bass note of shiraz providing the connective tissue. House-described as an all-rounder, this is just that, maximising the graphic equaliser properties of blending to achieve a harmonious and very present whole, perfectly pitched for both the table and also for lingering once the plates are cleared.

93 points Special Value Marcus Ellis winecompanion.com.au

The S.C. Pannell Grenache Shiraz Touriga from McLaren Vale is a bold, creative and utterly drinkable red blend that marries Southern Rhône charm with Iberian swagger. Winemaker Steve Pannell, who’s long championed Mediterranean varieties in Australia, has crafted a wine here that balances brightness, perfume and savoury grip in a way that’s become something of a signature for him.

Each component of this blend brings something distinct to the table. Grenache leads with its vibrant red fruits and aromatic lift. Shiraz fills out the mid-palate with plush dark berries and a hint of spice, while Touriga Nacional—best known from Portugal—adds structure, earthy undertones and floral, violet-driven complexity. It’s an unconventional trio on paper, but in the glass it sings in harmony.

Sourced from sustainably managed vineyards across McLaren Vale, the fruit is handled gently in the winery with minimal intervention. The result is a medium-bodied wine with brightness, layered texture and a savoury backbone. Aromas of raspberry, mulberry and wild herbs lead to a palate full of juicy red and black fruits, lifted by exotic spice and a flick of tannin to finish.

This is the kind of wine that shines on the table with slow-cooked lamb, harissa-roasted vegetables or even a good wood-fired pizza. Drink now for vibrancy or cellar for five to seven years to let the savoury elements deepen.