2024 S.C. Pannell Montepulciano, Langhorne Creek

This year’s Pannell ‘monte’ was blended from Langhorne Creek and McLaren Vale grapes. 75% came from the Kimbolton vineyard at Langhorne Creek and 25% from Pannell’s Olivers Road vineyard in McLaren Vale. Very deep, dense, opaque purple colour; aromas of squashed raspberry, mulberry and cranberry, laced with fine herbs. An edge of broken rock and subtle farmyard. The palate is full-bodied and rugged with assertive tannins and a big firm finish that lingers on. This is different, and very smart. Drink 2026-2040

95 points Huon Hooke The Real Review February 2026

The Pannells say it well: A wine of immediate pleasure but given a moment can be contemplative and cerebral. In a way it’s the red version of Fiano, with the same juxtaposition of lean and ripe.

Montepulciano originates in the warm, central, wine-growing areas of Italy and is a workhorse variety of great importance in terms of volume of wines produced, but can make some of the most characterful reds of Italy, capable for a long life in the bottle.

Delicious and approachable. Big, plush flavours at the front, and builds with each sip. A wine to tempt the most ardent Shiraz and Cabernet drinker over to the varieties that may better suit the Australian climate.

Perfect for immediate drinking but should easily cellar for an additional five years. Try with hearty Italian style ragus and similar fare.