S.C. Pannell 'Old McDonald Vineyard' Grenache 2018

"The grapes come from a 76-year-old, dry-grown vineyard I have worked with since 2004. It was formerly owned by Duncan McDonald and is now farmed by Matt Hatwell. It features sandy, Eocene-era soils at an altitude of 83m above sea level. I am constantly wowed by the quality of Grenache from this vineyard and the wine it makes. The flavours achieved here are unlike any other vineyard I work with." Steve Pannell

"From a 76-year-old dry-grown vineyard in Blewitt Springs. The old aphorism that says McLaren Vale Grenache is like Burgundy holds some merit, but in the safe and gifted hands of Steve Pannell, they come over more like Barbaresco. Powerful, insistently and delightfully tannic Grenache. It falls more to savoury, earthy and stony, pecans and exotic spice, succulence of fruit reined in by structure and earthy bass. Pumice stone and pomegranate, power and presence. And the finish is a landslide of shale and forest berries. What a wine! Choosing between this and the Smart is sort of like being asked which of my two sons I like best. The answer is, of course, that they are both great, but different. I love youse all." 96pts - Gary Walsh - WineFront

"The provenance of the Old McDonald single vineyard comprises 76yo bushvines and is lighter and more perfumed than its sibling, the Clarendon Smart. Both excellent interpretations of their sites. This one heady with red fruits, florals, dried herbs/mint and a hint of green walnuts. There's a savoury overlay, with very fine sandpaper tannins and neat acidity sashaying across the just medium-bodied palate. Detailed, complex yet ethereal." 97pts - James Halliday - Wine Companion

"This multilayered grenache is a cut above the ruck. The character-filled aroma incorporates white pepper and assorted spices, and sweetly ripe jubey fruit. A lovely array of aromas/flavours. It’s medium-bodied and harmonious, with gently persuasive tannins." 95pts - Huon Hooke - Gourmet Traveller Wine