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2023 S.C.Pannell, Little Branch Grenache, McLaren Vale, South Australia

  • Red
  • Dry
  • Full Bodied
  • Grenache (100%)
Ready - at best
Erin Larkin
97/100
Jancis Robinson MW
17/20
James Suckling
96/100
Product: 20238086228

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2023 S.C.Pannell, Little Branch Grenache, McLaren Vale, South Australia

Description

Stephen Pannell is widely recognised as one of Australia’s leading winemakers. After early success as Chief Winemaker at Hardy’s, where he won the prestigious Jimmy Watson Trophy in his first year, Stephen went on to be named one of Decanter Magazine’s Top 50 “Faces to Watch” worldwide. Coming from a pioneering wine family who founded Moss Wood in Margaret River, Stephen gained international experience with iconic estates such as Château Mouton Rothschild, Domaine Dujac, and Aldo Vajra in Barolo.

In 2004, Stephen and his wife Fiona Lindquist established S.C. Pannell Wines in McLaren Vale. His philosophy centres on expressing the region’s unique terroir through minimal intervention, wild ferments, and fruit from low-yielding, sustainably farmed vineyards. Stephen’s commitment to crafting elegant, balanced, and expressive wines has earned him widespread acclaim, including a second Jimmy Watson Trophy in 2014, making him the first to win for two different wineries.

"Little Branch" is sourced from 30-year-old vines situated in the Little Branch vineyard, which are unirrigated, trellised vines grown in ancient Maslin Beach sands with ironstone flecks over limestone. The wines exhibit remarkable elegance and restraint, which can be challenging to achieve from Grenache in a warm climate, but with quality sites and vine age, Steve Pannell has excelled with these. Patience will be rewarded.

Colour Red
Sweetness Dry
Vintage 2023
Alcohol % 14%
Maturity Ready - at best
Grape List Grenache (100%)
Body Full Bodied
Producer S.C.Pannell

Tasting note

Delightfully elevated and perfumed strawberries, raspberry, blueberry and dried herb aromas. What follows is a fresh, soft and yet delicate palate profile where pliable tannins allow the fruit to waft over your palate. Superb wine-making is evident here, with the alcohol well-handled and a very good finish. Value here for sure.

Peter Windred, Account Manager, Berry Bros. & Rudd

Critics reviews

Erin Larkin 97/100
The 2023 Little Branch Grenache is floral and ultra fine—the tannins sit through the middle and the back of the fruit and drag out through the fine finish. The fruit leads with Boscobel rose, green tea, petrichor and wet asphalt (although they may in fact draw from the same thing, they feel necessary to outline individually). I tasted this 2023 alongside the 2022, and the two have clear identities and are different, yet they are cut from the same cloth. The 2022 is silkier and more supple, with great depth and complexity; the 2023 is lacier, more diaphanous and very perfumed, and both are very long. The vineyard DNA is clear, while the vintage conditions have extracted different characters. They are both excellent wines. They are collectible in the extreme, but magnificent to drink today. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.
Drink 2025 - 2043
Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate (Sep 2025)
Jancis Robinson MW 17/20
Little branch is a literal translation of Fiona Pannell’s maiden name. Grown on ironstone. TA 4.5–5 g/l. pH 3.3–3.4. Pale blood red, paler than the Basso bottling. Smells delicate but on the palate it’s gamey, meaty and intense – a very different interpretation of Grenache from many, presumably thanks to the terroir. Very lively acid. Tension and freshness.
Drink 2025 - 2032
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com (Sep 2025)
James Suckling 96/100
So pure and refined with aromas of wild raspberries, dried strawberries, cinnamon bark, pencil shavings and dried herbs. The palate is vibrant with crunchy tannins, focused acidity and a high-tension mouthfeel, showing dark cherries, hibiscus, kirsch and citrus peel. A serious yet bright and highly drinkable grenache that is built to last. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com (Mar 2025)

About this wine

McLaren Vale

McLaren Vale

McLaren Vale is one of South Australia’s most storied wine regions, combining a rich heritage with a reputation for producing bold, expressive red wines. Just 15 miles south of Adelaide, its vineyards trace back to 1839, making it a cornerstone of Australian viticulture. Today, the region is celebrated for its distinctive Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, crafted by producers who strike a balance between tradition and innovation.

Find out more

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