McLaren Vale Grenache

See previous note from January 2022. Has lost its primary red fruited characters of raspberry and strawberry from its youth. More musky and earthy these days. From 72 year old Grenache vines in the Old McDonald vineyard in McLaren Vale. Steve Pannells winemaking touch still evident with excellent material - a great combination.

Steve Pannell says that Grenache is the variety that he is most passionate about of the many varieties he produces. This is the product of 75 year old vines in McLaren Vale - the Old McDonald Vineyard. This wine had Red Fruits (cherries and raspberries) together with musky notes. Bright and juicy on the medium bodied palate. Steve says more Pinot like than Shiraz like. Proves again that Grenache does best in McLaren Vale over the Barossa in Australia.

A rich crimson in colour. Aromas initially of fine quality leather but little fruit until you assess the palate which shows raspberry and mineral and fine grained Tannins with some grip. A good straight Grenache showing McLaren Vale to be the best source of pristine Grenache fruit in Australia IMO. I wouldn’t keep it for more than 5 more years but good drinking right now. Tasted again 13 weeks later on 22nd November with consistent notes although not as impressive or complex for some reason. Tasted again on 30th October 2021 which is 114 weeks after the first note here. My notes this time agree with the 2nd tasting here where it was not that impressive after 9 years of ageing. A little monolithic without nuance and without the youthful fruity exuberance of 2 years ago. Pannell remains one of Australia’s best and innovative winemakers. Only 89 points this time.

Amazing QPR

Dark crimson - darker than you would expect from an Aussie Grenache. After the first glass straight out of the bottle I decided to decant which it needed. Dusty raspberry notes on nose and palate - very pure. A brilliant dense concentrated 100% Grenache from Australia’s master of alternative varieties - Steve Pannell. Although in Australia Grenache is not that “alternative “ as this wine comes from 70 year old bush vines in McLaren Vale.

Almost garnet on the color. Raging high acidity and dried red fruits on the nose which reminds me of Northern Italian wines. Smooth tannin and nice finish. A killer in blind tasting. Very distinctive

Lolly confectionery jubey Notes. Some twiggy bitterness indicating whole bunch. A little simple for the producer (one of the best in Australia) the region (McLaren Vale probably the best source for Grenache in Australia) the vintage (2014 excellent) and the price $54. Also 72 year old dry grown bush vines. Expected more. Next time will decant earlier as the label suggests.

So distinctly Pannell. In a good way.

I've been really getting into Grenache recently and this had all the hallmarks of a great varietal wine. Meaty charcuterie, bramble and a nice clean palate. Sweet raspberries and great acidity.

Notes of Raspberry. Restrained for an Aussie Red from McLaren Vale. From 70 year old dry grown bush vines. Medium bodied with fine tannins and showing its class from a good vintage.