2022 S.C. Pannell 'Smart' Clarendon Grenache

96 Points - Marcus Ellis, Wine Companion

“From 67-year-old vines in Clarendon. Typically, this is the prettiest of the Pannell non-estate grenache pair, but the 2022 vintage has its say. It was a cool year, but one of particular tannic fortitude. And when paired with an energetic line of acidity, this is a release to hold for a bit. Quality and character stand firm, though. Dried cranberry and raspberry, sour cherry and sumac, rhubarb, burnt orange, toasted cinnamon and rose. It’s all there, just bound up presently, a little nervy, but it will no doubt tumble out in the mid-term. It’s a fine expression more in a nebbiolo state of mind.”

96 Points - Huon Hooke, The Real Review

“Deep red with a tint of purple and the bouquet is earthy/terracotta, milled pepper, clean leather and other savoury nuances, all joined by sweet cherry and blackberry flavours on the palate. Really quite a smart array of spices, coupled with rich fruit flavours and a serious wave of drying tannins that ride in on the finish. Excellent grenache.”