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

From the highly progressive mind of Steve Pannell, there’s always a long, thoughtful arc towards the future, but there’s an equally respectful reflection on the past. Here, a classic blend of two Vale hero varieties sees some traditional stylings leavened with modern sensibilities. Bustling red and dark berries, camphor, iron and cacao nibs, a hint of musk and rose, the weight tilting to the middle, tannins nobly extracted, sapid but not overly drying, the length and balance of fruit and savoury impact deftly poised. Drink 2024-2032.

94 points Marcus Ellis Halliday Wine Companion August 2024

Delicious, swashbuckling sort of full-bodied wine, showcasing the grenache and its almost nebbiolo-like notes of tannin and kirsch, and the plusher boysenberry and iodine notes of shiraz. Gritty, almost charcoal-like tannins across the finish, with hints of brine and black olive paste. Excellent drinking. Drink or hold.

93 points James Suckling February 2024

Very deep, dense, extract of purple colour. Despite its flamboyant appearance, the aroma is subdued at first, but it has harmony from the start. With air it emerges more. Blueberry, lifted raspberry, a meaty touch, and regional earthiness provide lots of hearty interest. It tastes velvety and plush, medium to full in body, with a thread of fruit sweetness and very fine, ripe tannins in excellent balance.

92 points Ralph Kyte-Powell The Real Review December 2024

This wine tastes first and foremost of McLaren Vale: sea air, earth, dark fruit and wood spice. Plush dark fruited Shiraz pleasure extended by the freshness of Grenache on a long, fine finish. Texture plays a big role, and seems to be in constant motion. Will handle really rich BBQ stuff and anything with a proper smear of umami.

A blend of two vineyards: Koomilya in the Upper Tintara for Shiraz (75%), and Aldersey in Seaview (25%). Fruit was picked in late-February and co-fermented. Gently pressed after 14 days on skins, racked of lees and sent to old Frenck oak puncheons for malolactic fermentation and further refinement. Racked a further two timesand bottled without fining in August 2022.