The 2022 Koomilya 'JC Block' Shiraz is a boundary-pushing McLaren Vale red, forged from the absolute limits of Stephen Pannell's celebrated Upper Tintara vineyard. Sourced from 50-year-old vines rooted in ancient siltstone and ironstone rubble, this pristine single-block release channels a moody, dark-fruited intensity and raw elemental energy, capturing the absolute best of a stellar, low-yielding cool-climate vintage.
- Aromas: Ripe plums, fresh red roses, and dusky florals, layered with quince paste, twiggy herbs, and a distinctive rusted irongate and wet-stone mineral edge.
- Palate: Blackcurrant, boysenberry, and juicy red currant riding over a focused backbone of black olive, salumi, and savory chorizo complexity.
- Style: Medium-to-full bodied, super-svelte, and incredibly poised, balancing an engulfing perfume with an effortless, laser-sharp acid line and an endless finish.
- Winemaking: Fermented wild, spending 15 days on skins before maturing in a four-year-old large oak vat to lock in pure terroir expression over heavy wood integration.
- Cellaring: Deliciously profound right now, but possesses the authoritative structure and drive to age gracefully in the cellar through 2042+.
- Food Pairing: Pairs wonderfully with slow-roasted duck breast, grilled wagyu ribeye, smoked hickory brisket, or savory game dishes.
This bottle is a masterclass in single-block architecture and pure Upper Tintara grit. It completely strips away the standard over-extracted McLaren Vale Shiraz playbook, delivering an electric, highly savory profile and uncompromising estate craftsmanship that aggressively cements its reputation as one of Australia's greatest modern icons
SC Pannell
Born in 1969 and raised at the legendary Moss Wood in Margaret River, Stephen Pannell was destined for a life in wine. In 2004, he and his wife Fiona founded S.C. Pannell, driven by a passion for McLaren Vale and its ability to produce expressive, dry-grown Shiraz and Grenache with a strong sense of place. Widely regarded as one of Australia's most innovative winemakers, Steve's accolades include the Jimmy Watson Trophy, International Red Winemaker of the Year, and recognition by Decanter Magazine as one of the 50 Most Influential Contributors to the World of Wine.
At the heart of Steve's story is Koomilya Vineyard — an extraordinary vineyard in the centre of McLaren Vale that he pursued for more than 20 years before finally acquiring. Established in the early 1800s, this historic site now forms the foundation of his deeply personal Koomilya wines, capturing the character and heritage of one of Australia's great vineyard sites.
