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S.C. Pannell

2023

‘Old McDonald’

Grenache   |   McLaren Vale - Australia
Shelf Talker Spec Sheet Wine Label Bottle Image

About

Grenache is the McLaren Vale grape Steve is most fond of and in all of its iterations globally, so long as the wine does the grape justice. What does that mean? Treat Grenache like Pinot Noir and not Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon, pick it a bit early, very light working of the ferment and moderate skin contact. Steve writes that this wine is “my attempt to claim place over winemaker as the most significant influence over a wine’s quality All I have to do is counteract the two misguided extremes of varietal style: sweet and syrupy at one end, under-ripe, tannin-free giggle juice at the other. Truly great Grenache is neither. Truly great Grenache has aromatics and texture with vibrance and energy. It unfurls gradually with air and, most importantly, speaks clearly of soil and season.” From these 81-year-old Plaistead Vineyard vines, the “where” of the wine certainly shines through in the glass.

The grapes were hand-harvested, partially crushed (12% were left whole cluster) and vinified with inoculated yeast in small open-top fermenters. Daily pumpovers occurred for 15 days, after which the wine was pressed very gently and settled in tank before transferring it to a old French oak vats for maturation. After 12 months, the wine undergoes light crossflow filtration, ensuring stability without stripping color or mouthfeel.

Stats

  • Grapes: 100% Grenache
  • Vineyard: Plaistead Vineyard
  • Vine Age: 81-years-old
  • Soil Type: Deep sand over clay
  • Viticulture: Sustainable
  • Fermentation: Inoculated – Stainless steel (12% whole clusters)
  • Skin Contact: 15 days
  • Aging: 12 months in old French oak vats
  • Alcohol: 14%
  • pH: 3.45
  • Total Acidity: 5.4 g/L
  • Total SO2: 64 ppm
  • Total Production: 200 cases
  • UPC: None
  • SRP: $79.99

Tasting Note

A classic McLaren Vale Grenache displaying romantic Old World charm with a core of sweet cranberry and raspberry preserves. Signature blood orange and pomegranate notes are accompanied by rose petal, lovage, and woody herb nuances. There is a richness here, yet it maintains a typical light-to-medium weight nature.

Press & Reviews

Wine Advocate

95

"'I've made this wine, by itself, since 2004. It was hard to say goodbye. It has not been easy,' says Steve Pannell. The final vintage of the Old McDonald Grenache is the 2024, so this is the second-to-last release we will see from this vineyard. Its fans will mourn its passing but will find much comfort in the arms of Little Branch. Here, the 2023 Old McDonald Grenache is lighter framed and more delicate than the powerhouse 2022 tasted alongside. 2022 was such a magnificent season, and here is my fervent advice to anyone who would like to hear it: the 2022 is a vintage to cellar, while the fragrant, lighter 2023s will bring you all the pleasure in the short to medium term. The diaphanous quality of this 2023 is one of its key attributes (alongside more enhanced freshness/perceived acidity, elevated spice top notes and levity of fruit), but those seeking plushness will be looking only at the 2022. Choose your player. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap."

- Erin Larkin
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Producer


S.C. Pannell

Region


McLaren Vale

Country


Australia

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