2021 SC Pannell Grenache Old McDonald
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
79-year-old ungrafted vineyard on Maslin Beach Sands in Blewitt Springs, facing south-west. Heritage-clone bush vines supported by wire. Harvested 25 February 2021. 15 days on skins and fermented in a stainless-steel open-top fermenter – 20% whole bunch. 9 months in a 4,300-litre French oak vat that’s more than 20 years old and was bought from Mt Mary in 2008. Unfiltered. TA 5.8 g/l, pH 3.45. Mid crimson. Minty and a touch leafy, openly fragrant. Distinctive in that leafiness. Minty and mouth-watering on the palate, refined but compact chalky tannins are totally woven in with the fruit. Lots of energy, freshness and length. Intense and tightly wound. Tannins and fruit inseparable. Dark, scented, finely textured finish. Terrific wine. (JH)
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
From 80-year-old vines planted in Lower Tintara, in white sand over yellow clay. Matured in foudre. Round, sweet, ripe squishy dark-red fruit, a bit more density and fullness than the Smart Grenache (which is from a higher, cooler vineyard); tannins by stealth: you think it’s all generous and velvety but then realise how savoury and grippy it is on the long, harmonious finish. (MA)
A gloriously detailed, focused and concentrated rendition of grenache, this has a punchy and energetically youthful stance. The nose has such fresh and vivid raspberries and boysenberries, together with some red plums, floral bursts and a gently sappy edge. Such pure fruit here. The palate has a smooth outer layer that glazes compact, fine and layered tannins seamlessly. Super-fresh finish with bright acidity. The fruit power here is supercharged. Drink or hold. Screw cap.