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S.C. Pannell

2019

‘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 85 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 naturally in small open-top fermenters entirely destemmed. After ten days on skins, it was gently pressed and transferred to a 28hL old French-oak vat and a few puncheons for maturation. After 15 months aging it was racked twice, then bottled without fining or filtration and a small dose of sulfur.

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. So aromatic, so beautiful.

Press & Reviews

The Wine Front

95

"Vineyard planted in 1956, up 230 metres above the level of the sea in Clarendon. Bush vines. Big old oak.
So exotic. So much spice and perfume. Cherry and berry pie, apricot, roast beef and roses. Juicy flavour, lots of spice, oranges, dense and tightly wound tannin, citrus peel and zesty tang to acidity, generous flavour but with a bony feel, very long with fresh raspberry and dried herb in the aftertaste. There’s a minor level of warmth here, but nothing of concern. Give it a little more time in bottle, and it will shine like a ruby. Drink 2023 - 2030+."
- Gary Walsh

Halliday Wine Companion

96

"Elevated old-vine Clarendon sourcing. Intense aromas of molten cherry liqueur, orange amaro, bergamot and cranberry. A fine vinous pulse, drawing the fore with the aft. Long attenuated filigreed tannins, sandy to be sure, but very fine. This is exceptional grenache that, with a few others, sets the regional high tone. Drink by 2026."
- Ned Goodwin
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Producer


S.C. Pannell

Region


McLaren Vale

Country


Australia

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