"The wine here is silky and seamless, packed with tannin, flavor and perfume. ... This is a wholly complex, complete and persistently long wine. There are notes of Boscobel rose, sweet licorice, graphite, ironstone and tobacco. What a wine. In terms of character, this combines the texture and complexity of the Smart vineyard and the ethereal spice and delicacy of the Little Branch and then raises the bar of both to a whole new level. The release of this Sunrise Grenache marks the arrival of an "off-leash Pannell"; he has been tirelessly championing premium Grenache from McLaren Vale for years in his own oeuvre of structure, shape, tannin and freshness. The acquisition of this vineyard site has given him all the permission he needed, it seems. In many ways, it feels as if all of the Grenache that Pannell has made over the decades has been leading up to this point. It was worth the wait. And there are great things to come in future releases too." Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate. Published: Sep 25, 2025 [https://www.robertparker.com/wines/7S4Ki2nCrqQGhRKz4/s-c-pannell-sunrise-grenache-2022]
S.C. Pannell Sunrise 99 Grenache 2022 is a striking expression of old-vine Grenache from Blewitt Springs in McLaren Vale, South Australia. Crafted by Stephen Pannell from an east-facing block of dry-grown bush vines, it combines beautifully perfumed fruit with serious structure and remarkable length. Awarded 100 points by Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate, this is a special bottle for lovers of elegant, age-worthy Australian reds.
- Aromas: Raspberry and cherry mingle with rose petals, exotic spice and citrus peel, with subtle earthy, coffee and roasted-nut nuances adding depth.
- Palate: Concentrated yet poised, with layered berry fruit, vibrant acidity and firm, finely textured tannins. A savoury undertow brings complexity, while the long finish balances freshness with impressive persistence.
- Style: A dry, structured Grenache that combines medium-bodied elegance with intensity and presence. Perfumed and expressive, with the substance to develop beautifully over time.
- Winemaking: Hand-harvested, organically managed fruit was fermented as whole berries in stainless steel, then matured in an older French oak vat. Bottled without fining or filtration to preserve its character.
- Cellaring: Built for the long haul, with the producer suggesting around 20 years in a cool cellar. If opening now, decant well before serving and allow time for the wine to unfold.
- Food Pairing: The producer recommends Peking duck: a delicious match for the wine’s fragrant fruit, savoury depth and tannin structure.
Looking for a Grenache with a little extra occasion about it? Sunrise 99 deserves a place at a special dinner—or a quiet spot in the cellar for a future celebration.
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.
