2023 S.C. Pannell Nero Diavola, McLaren Vale

From the Olivers Road home vineyard, two picks, matured in a 4600L French vat. Juicy and forward, leaning into black cherry, raspberry and crème de myrtille, with hardy Mediterranean herbs, star anise and mace. For all the exuberance, it is more medium weighted, transparent rather than pulpy, and with a resolute cohort of tannins giving it gastronomic purpose.

93 points Marcus Ellis winecompanion.com.au

The S.C. Pannell Nero d’Avola from McLaren Vale is Stephen Pannell doing what he does best: identifying the varieties that thrive in Australia’s Mediterranean climate and crafting wines that are as delicious as they are honest. Nero d’Avola is native to Sicily, and in the Vale’s sun-soaked soils it finds a natural home. The result is a red that’s plush yet vibrant, dark-fruited but lifted, and above all made for good food and good company.

This bottling is all mulberry, sour cherry, plum skin and blood orange, with a fine herbal twist and that signature S.C. Pannell freshness. The tannins are fine and chalky, offering just enough grip without dragging the wine down. There’s a delicious interplay between richness and acidity that makes each sip feel both juicy and alive.

It’s incredibly versatile on the table. Think grilled eggplant, lamb kofte, pizza with nduja, or even a hard cheese like pecorino. You could also give it a slight chill and pour it on a warm evening — it’s that kind of wine.