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S.C. Pannell

2023

‘Smart Grenache’

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. Bernard Smart is now 86 and has worked the land all of his life. He, and other members of his family, have planted many of the best sites in the region though Bernard wasn’t born when some parcels were were planted. This is the highest altitude Grenache vineyard in McLaren Vale, planted in 1955 and though is located in the ironstone rich warmth of Clarendon, it showcases very high toned aromatic notes reminiscent of Blewitt Springs.

The grapes were hand-harvested and vinified with inoculated yeast in old French oak fermenters. Daily pumpovers occurred for 9 days, after which the wine was pressed very gently and settled in tank before being transferred to old French oak vats for maturation. After 10 months, the wine undergoes light crossflow filtration, ensuring stability without stripping color or mouthfeel.

 

 

Stats

  • Grapes: 100% Grenache
  • Vineyard: Smart Vineyard (Clarendon)
  • Vine Age: 68-years-old
  • Soil Type:  Laminated dark and green siltstone
  • Viticulture: Sustainable – Dry farmed
  • Fermentation:  Inoculated – Old French oak fermenter
  • Skin Contact: 9 days
  • Aging:  10 months in old French oak vat
  • Alcohol: 14%
  • pH: 3.34
  • Total Acidity: 6.4 g/L
  • Total SO2: 53 ppm
  • Total Production: 150 cases
  • UPC: None
  • SRP: $79.99

Tasting Note

Assertive aromatics of bergamot, lilly pilly, and violet mingle with concentrated notes of blood orange, cranberry, and red currant. The palate is textured yet delicate, artfully balancing the paradox of power and subtlety.

Press & Reviews

Wine Advocate

97

"The 2023 Smart Grenache was significantly lower in yield (less than half) than the normal. The color in the glass, when poured side by side with the 2022, is far darker. The seasons were very different, and the 2023 here smells as if it's been turbocharged. It is supple, svelte, concentrated and almost plush. The palate shows the same. This is incredibly silky and seamless, with notes of sweet pouch tobacco, pomegranate molasses, raspberry/rhubarb and paprika dolce tannins. The texture here is like Dutch cocoa—super fine and gritty without being gravelly or blunt. This is super. 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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