The S.C. Pannell Old McDonald Grenache is a medium-bodied, profoundly complex, and ultra-premium single-vineyard red wine from the Blewitt Springs sub-region of McLaren Vale, South Australia. Sourced from 80-year-old bush vines rooted deep in ancient Maslin sands, this iconic flagship release by winemaker Stephen Pannell stands as one of the country's ultimate benchmarks for the grape, pairing exceptional aromatic perfume with majestic structural power.
- Aromas: Strikingly perfumed and layered with raspberry, dark cherry compote, and pressed roses, intricately woven with blood orange, tobacco, and exotic spices.
- Palate: Fleshy and highly intense, delivering a driving core of wild red fruits, pomegranate, and Turkish delight, riding over an extraordinary line of commanding, fine-grained tannins.
- Style: Landmark, old-vine McLaren Vale Grenache that prioritizes fruit freshness, poise, and immense detail, effortlessly trading simple jammy sweetness for sophisticated savory volume.
- Winemaking: Hand-harvested from the historic Plaisted vineyard, fermented with a carefully managed portion of whole bunches, and matured for 12 months in large, seasoned French oak vats.
- Cellaring: Displays a mesmerizing, energetic drive on release, yet its serious structural framework and old-vine density allow it to cellar beautifully over 15-plus years.
- Food Pairing: Sensational with high-end, rich Asian pairings like Cantonese roast goose, Peking duck pancakes, five-spice slow-braised pork belly, or a rich wild mushroom stir-fry with XO sauce.
This wine is a total overachiever that grabs McLaren Vale's warm, juicy berry flavors and forces them to join a sophisticated rock band. It tricks you into expecting a plush, velvety fruit bomb, but then a sharp lightning bolt of sandy mineral acidity crashes the party and leaves the finish totally savory. It's basically an absolute masterclass in a glass
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.
