Wine Code Breaker #335

Grenache at one point was looking like forever being something you threw in with Shiraz and Mataro (or Mouvedre as it perhaps should be called). To this point, I was fascinated to hear that there had been no significant plantings of Grenache for the last 40 years. And, to think that these marvellous bush vines produce just 6% of the annual production from the McLaren Vale is something to ponder. So, when you taste a Grenache that is handled by a magician in the winery like Steven Pannell, you really wonder why this wonderful grape is not more widely planted.

The 2018 S.C. Pannell Old McDonald is a single vineyard Grenache from McLaren Vale in South Australia. The bush vines are older than 70 years and this year have produced a bright bright crimson coloured wine that swirls alluringly and magically in the glass. The nose is elegant and intense with Turkish Delight like aromas, rose water, raspberries, dried herbs and floral spices. The palate is a performance with its refined delicacy balancing the intense red fruits against a backdrop of tar and emery board like tannins. The acidity is taut and the persistence is enticing, leaving you wondering why there is not more.