The Koomilya Shiraz is a site-driven masterpiece that weaves together the diverse terroirs of Stephen Pannell's Upper Tintara property. Acting as the ultimate expression of the estate, this blend delivers a multi-layered, deeply savory complexity that captures the pure, untamed energy of a classic, cool McLaren Vale vintage.
- Aromas: Dark plums, mulberries, and dried sage, layered with cracked black pepper, iron filings, and a clean, wet-stone mineral edge.
- Palate: Blackberries, savory licorice, and bitter chocolate riding over a focused, flinty mineral backbone.
- Style: Medium-to-full bodied, savory, and incredibly refreshing, balancing a generous burst of fruit with a laser-sharp acid line and a long, clean finish.
- Winemaking: Fermented wild using traditional open-top fermenters, then matured in older, large French oak vats to lock in maximum structural integration without wood dominance.
- Cellaring: Deliciously fresh and ready to enjoy right now, but possesses the excellent structure and drive to age gracefully in the cellar through 2040+.
- Food Pairing: Pairs wonderfully with roasted lamb shoulder, grilled wagyu ribeye, pan-seared venison, or spicy Southeast Asian duck salads.
This bottle is a masterclass in blending synergy and pure regional identity. It completely shatters the stereotype of heavy, oak-soaked South Australian reds, throwing down a vibrant, earth-driven profile and uncompromising craftsmanship that resets the bar for modern Australian Shiraz.
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.
