Stephen Pannell’s last two single variety Grenaches have been showstoppers. I’ve got them in my cellar and that’s where they belong for now. If you’re after more immediate gratification then look no further than this Pronto Tinto. It’s light to medium bodied, bright and vital, and does not lack complexity. A blend of Grenache, Monastrell/Mourvèdre/Mataró (take your pick, although it probably feels more like “Monastrell” in this blend…if you get my drift), Touriga Nacional and Shiraz.
The emphasis is on perfume and prettiness upon opening but subtle meaty qualities develop with time. Sweet cherries and raspberries with a hint of tart cranberry on the back palate. But it’s not all about fruit; dried oregano, earth and tea leaf add to the savoury profile that eventually defines the wine. It’s a spicy minx too. All that nimble energy leads to fine, slightly chewy tannin. Lots of evolution in the space of twenty-four hours – if you can make it last that long. Very Good – Excellent
Region: McLaren Vale
Alcohol: 14.0%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $25
Tasted: July 2012
Admitted to enjoying the 09 elsewhere…Same hint of blue cheese and other secondary complexity as the 09 but a lot bigger wine. All components just turned up. Too much for now. Should be awesome drinking in 2 years, then for about a decade.
2012 now reviewed. 2010 my favourite vintage of the wine so far.