SC Pannell Little Branch Grenache 2024

Steve Pannell has a knack for making Grenache that turns heads, and Little Branch is a cracking example of why.From the ancient sandy soils of Blewitt Springs, this is old-vine Grenache with plenty of charm, a little swagger and some serious depth. There's an explosion of spice from the get-go; cinnamon, clove and nutmeg, followed by toffee apple, wild strawberries and a gorgeous lift of rose petals. Dig a little deeper and things get wonderfully savoury, with cedar, forest floor, blood orange peel and a whisper of earthy intrigue. The addition of fruit from century-old bush vines brings a darker, more concentrated personality, without losing that unmistakable Grenache perfume. Twelve months in seasoned French oak adds texture and polish, letting the fruit do all the talking. The palate is generous yet beautifully composed, with juicy red berries, silky tannins and a delicate thread of musk and spice. There's real energy beneath all that richness, carrying everything through to a long, wonderfully persistent finish.A Grenache with both charm and backbone. The sort of bottle that reminds you just how exciting McLaren Vale can be.