95 Points - Gary Walsh
SC Pannell is considered one of South Australia's finest red wine producers, with his Adelaide Hills Syrah produced from a vineyard in Echunga, 410 metres above sea level. Steve Pannell has worked with this vineyard since 2010 with some spectacular results; most notably collecting the 2014 Jimmy Watson Trophy with the 2013 vintage of this wine.
The 2018 SC Pannell Adelaide Hills Syrah is perfumed, vibrant and complex with prominent blackforest fruits, tapenade, all spice and dark cocoa powder notes. A typically approachable rendition of Adelaide Hills Shiraz, this has a subtle power and intensity that slowly unfurls; revealing the density that carries the palate further. Incredibly balanced and poised, this is another exceptional release from SC Pannell.
"95 Points. The last of the line for this wine, I believe, from a vineyard in Echunga sitting up at 410 metres above the sea. Hand-picked, old French oak and 30% whole bunch. Effortless wine, this one. It’s all blue fruit, spice, lavender and grilled meat. Such perfume! (but savoury too). Svelte and spicy, medium-bodied at most, juicy blue and black fruit, intensity of small berries with fine silty, almost Turkish coffee tannin, black olive and dried herb on a long finish of poise and exotic scents. It’s a beauty. Tasted: Oct20 14% alc. $40 Screwcap Drink: 2020 - 2030+" - Gary Walsh, The Wine Front.
