2022 S.C. Pannell ‘Old McDonald’ Grenache 6 Pack

95 POINTS

Ned Goodwin MW

This is a chunky, earthy expression of grenache in this exceptional vintage. Notes of pickled ginger, tamarind and dark cherries. Hints of moss and iodine across the forceful, slightly drying finish. This is an immense wine, typical of the style that defines the region, which produces some of the very finest expressions of grenache in the world. Drinkable now, but best from 2027.

94 POINTS

Mike Bennie - The Wine Front

Despite the cooler year, and the vagaries of the season, the Pannell grenaches of 2022 feel riper and fuller in essence. Not a bad thing, just a piece of commentary with the suite in front of me. Potent, full flavoured, decidedly ripe in fruit spectrum, sweet in its profile albeit tempered with pleasing bitter herbal elements, savoury notes and saline mineral characters. That being said, there’s some slurpiness here, despite a web of fine, silty tannins lending crunch and sandy pucker. Scents of ripe plum, raspberry jam, black jelly beans, sage leaf and bergamot tea. Exotic, and delightful. The sweetness is apparent to taste, a slick film on the palate and yet tannin profile tends to a chew and grip. It’s a heartier red, in its way, and does it all well.