2024 S.C. Pannell Arido Rose, Adelaide Hills McLaren Vale

Very pale, barely-there coral-pink hue. Raspberry, red peppercorn and cajun spice aromas. Bright and fresh, crunchy red apple and just-ripe raspberry fruit wrapped in notes of Chinese five spice and ruby grapefruit pith. Acidity keeps it lifted, fresh and precise, driving it long and handing over to a fine tannic grip that finishes it dry 12 Feb 2025 Drink 2025–2029

94 points Stuart Knox therealreview.com #1 of 18 2024 Rosés from McLaren Vale Rosé Of The Year 2025

S.C. Pannell Arido Rosé is a pale, dry, refreshingly savoury wine that showcases the thoughtful winemaking and Mediterranean focus that defines Stephen Pannell’s approach. Sourced from carefully selected vineyards in the high-altitude Adelaide Hills and warmer McLaren Vale, this is a rosé built with food in mind — textured, aromatic, and completely dry, but never austere.

The name Arido (meaning "arid" in Spanish and Portuguese) nods to the sun-soaked landscapes and drought-resilient Mediterranean varieties that inspire much of Pannell’s work. Typically based on varieties like Grenache and Mourvèdre, the fruit is picked early to preserve acidity and fermented cool in stainless steel for freshness. There’s no oak, no fluff — just purity and purpose.

The nose opens with wild strawberry, grapefruit, blood orange, rosehip and dried herbs. The palate is clean, bone dry and textural, with flavours of pomegranate, citrus peel, white cherry and a whisper of bitter almond. There’s a salty edge and fine phenolic grip that give the wine shape and drive through a crisp, savoury finish.

Food pairing: perfect with grilled prawns, charcuterie, roast chicken, spicy Thai salads or goat cheese. Also great with paella, anchovy toast or Mediterranean mezze.

Cellar potential: best enjoyed young for its vibrancy and precision, though it can evolve over 2 to 3 years, gaining a little savoury depth and nutty detail.