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S.C. Pannell

2020

‘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 on the 17th of March when the grapes reached 13.7 Baume. The juice fermented naturally in small open-top fermenters entirely destemmed with daily pump overs and 10 days on skins before gently pressing with no hard pressings used. The wine was transferred after settling to a 2800L 9-year-old vat and 2 XL puncheons. The wine was racked twice and bottled, without filtration, in late June 2021.

 

 

Stats

  • Grapes: 100% Grenache
  • Vineyard: Smart Vineyard (Clarendon)
  • Vine Age: 67-years-old
  • Soil Type: Siltstone
  • Viticulture: Sustainable
  • Fermentation: Native – Stainless Steel (100% destemmed)
  • Skin Contact: 10 days
  • Aging: 15 months in an old 28hL French foudre and two large puncheons
  • Alcohol: 14%
  • pH: 3.3
  • Total Acidity: 6.6 g/L
  • Total SO2: 56 ppm
  • Total Production: 442 cases
  • UPC: None

Tasting Note

Intensely perfumed, strangely reminiscent of the 80’s, citrus peel, framboise, kirsch, turned rose wood and musk lollies. A flavor invasion of citrus peel and raspberry, musk lollies, cherry pips, rosewater and exotic spice. Composed, juicy and seductive with velvety tannins and a ‘gotcha’ moment on the back palate that funnels the tannins into a fine point. Achingly long finish.

Press & Reviews

Wine Advocate

95+

"The fruit for the 2020 Smart Grenache is from 65-year-old bush vines within the Smart family vineyard in Clarendon. Pannell has built a reputation over the years for high quality, excellent value wines, and this, of course, is no exception. On the nose, this is brooding and spicy, with toasted Sichuan peppercorns, a touch of hoisin, pure raspberry coulis, star anise and saffron. In the mouth, the wine is succulent, textural and kaleidoscopic—it moves and undulates across the palate, the fruit a tumbling cascade of berries, minerals and brine. The tannins are glorious; fine, firm and malleable. An impressive release—pure and driven."
- Erin Larkin

The Wine Front

95

"Perfume and pretty expression with white pepper, sappy green herbs, red cherry/currants, light-fresh feeling frame and a feathery presence of sandy tannin giving shape. Bright and vibrant expression, pure and glides along beautifully. Lovely, finer expression."
- Mike Bennie

James Suckling

97

"From a low-yielding vintage, this wine has such a precise and fragrant style with fresh and lively red currant, cranberry, strawberry and raspberry fruit aromas. Berry pastry and Monte Carlo biscuit here too. Vibrant and succulent palate with elegant tension to the fine, long tannins and arrow-like acidity. Raspberry finish. Uplifting and delicious. Drink or hold. Screw cap."
- James Suckling
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Producer


S.C. Pannell

Region


McLaren Vale

Country


Australia

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