2022 S.C. Pannell Tempranillo Touriga

Steve Pannell has long championed the idea that Australian wine should suit Australian conditions, and his Tempranillo Touriga blend is a perfect example. Inspired by the wines of the Iberian Peninsula but rooted firmly in McLaren Vale, it’s a natural fit for the region’s Mediterranean climate and laid-back lifestyle.

The 2022 vintage was a cool harvest in McLaren Vale, giving a slightly tighter, fresher example of this crowd-favourite blend. Tempranillo was picked early for structure and bright red fruit, while Touriga Nacional came in later, bringing deep, inky concentration and spice. The varieties were vinified separately, spending time on skins before a short maturation in large-format French oak.

It’s a delicious, layered red that smells of dark plums, sarsaparilla, and dried potpourri. The '22 is one of our favourite releases of this cuvee in years. This is McLaren Vale at its bold, effortless best.

93 points
"There are a few Iberian-accented reds in the eclectic Pannell portfolio, with this a fine balance between the heady blue and purple florals of touriga and the more grounded dark fruits and spice of tempranillo." 
- Marcus Ellis (Halliday Wine Companion)