2023 S.C. Pannell Arido Rose, Adelaide Hills McLaren Vale

Grenache noir with 1% grenache gris. This is at the extreme pale end of the blush spectrum, being made in a vin gris style with no pre-soak skin contact. The hue presages a delicacy of fruit expression across a compactly intense drive. Pink grapefruit, strawberry, cranberry, white cherry, watermelon and redcurrant, along with hints of cinnamon, sumac, rose and orange-skinned citrus peel. It’s dry, as the cuvée name suggests, with sprightly but composed acidity and a little pithiness providing apt ballast for the gently fleshy texture.

94 points Special Value Marcus Ellis winecompanion.com.au

S.C. Pannell Arido Rosé from the Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale is a beautifully dry, savoury and textural wine that captures Stephen Pannell’s masterful touch with blending and site expression. Known for his thoughtful approach and deep respect for Mediterranean grape varieties, Pannell crafts Arido Rosé as a bright, mineral-driven wine that’s both effortlessly refreshing and quietly complex — a rosé made for serious wine lovers as much as for summer afternoons.

The fruit comes from carefully selected vineyards across the Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale, two regions that bring different dimensions to the blend. The cooler Adelaide Hills contributes delicacy, perfume and fine acidity, while McLaren Vale adds body, fruit weight and savoury depth. The varieties change slightly each vintage but typically include Grenache, Tempranillo and Mourvèdre, chosen for their natural harmony and texture. The grapes are picked early, gently pressed and fermented cool in stainless steel, with a brief period on lees to build palate weight without losing freshness.

In the glass it shows a pale salmon hue with a glint of copper. The aroma is lively and fragrant, offering red cherry, wild strawberry, citrus zest and crushed herbs with a touch of sea spray and spice. On the palate it is dry, crisp and elegant, with delicate flavours of redcurrant, blood orange and peach balanced by taut acidity and a savoury, mineral finish. There’s a gentle creaminess from lees ageing that adds texture and complexity, making it as food friendly as it is refreshing.

S.C. Pannell Arido Rosé pairs perfectly with grilled seafood, charcuterie, roast chicken, Mediterranean salads or soft cheeses. It also shines alongside paella, salmon or lightly spiced Asian dishes. Best enjoyed young for its vibrancy and aromatic lift, though it will hold beautifully for a few years, gaining subtle savoury notes and roundness.