Stephen Pannell seems indefatigable. He never seems to lose enthusiasm for his ever growing array of mind blowing wines. He has already achieved more than any winemaker could dream of, but he continues to push ahead, always improving, new vineyards, new varieties, new wines.
Stephen’s parents established Moss Wood winery in Margaret River, so he grew up surrounded with pioneering wine people and amazing Australian vineyards. He personally had a successful professional winemaking career which culminated in being the head honcho for the BRL Hardy’s wine group. Winning his first Jimmy Watson Trophy whilst in that role.
In 2004 he and his wife went out on their own and established S.C. Pannell wines in McLaren Vale. Sourcing fruit from some of the historic and ancient vineyards planted there. They also sourced cooler climate varieties from the nearby, but much cooler, Adelaide Hills. Stephen won his second Jimmy Watson Trophy with an Adelaide Hills Syrah.
We have added a few new releases from S.C. Pannell to the shop this week. Ranging from his single vineyard Grenache wines and his Koomilya Touriga/Grenache/Mataro from McLaren Vale to his Nebbiolo and Protrero range of Barbera and Nebbiolo from the Adelaide Hills.
These are the wines that get other winemakers excited and those of us in the trade make sure we don’t miss out on.
Chris Brown, Albury