2020 SC Pannell Grenache 'Smart Vineyard'

100% Grenache, sustainably farmed from the highest altitude Grenache vineyard in McLaren Vale, planted in 1955. Fully destemmed and fermented with native yeasts in steel before aging 15 months in an old 28hL French foudre and two large puncheons. Bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal sulphur. 14% alcohol. 442 cases made. Steve Pannell’s wines are always explosively aromatic, and this one almost outdoes itself with a nose of wild strawberry, raspberry and old-vine meaty complexity. Juicy, succulent and mouthwatering on the medium-bodied palate, with incredibley pure ripe raspberry fruit , firm tannins and acidity that makes your mouth water for minutes you’ve swallowed. Glorious now but will likely improve for at least a few years. 

97 points, James Suckling. "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

96 points, Vinous Media. "The 2020 Grenache Smart is sourced from the current highest vineyard in McLaren Vale. Stunning and finely detailed, it opens with ethereal aromas of wild strawberry and red licorice with underlying meaty complexity, all showing outstanding composure and purity. The palate delivers old vine intensity of flavor in a seductive package, with gravelly tannins providing the backbone to a complex array of flavors. The finish displays extraordinary length. Superb now, this wine also shows the balance and integrity to improve for some years to come." - Angus Hughson

95+ points, Wine Advocate. "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