For all the success Stephen Pannell has had with his Grenache and Nebbiolo, he’s still a champion of blended wines. This one is made up of Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Grigio from the Adelaide Hills, all adding a distinct and seperate character to the overall profile.
It opens up with a bit of rubbery stink but plenty of – it must be said, pungent – Sauvignon gooseberry, herbs and passionfruit. Funky and wild on the nose but still fruity and fresh. That initial eruption is joined by varietal pear from the Grigio and welcome citrus notes courtesy of the Riesling. It’s detailed and crisp with parry and thrust between texture and very fine, minerally acidity. Limes see things out and add considerable length and penetration. After tasting, I downed this with some friends, family and whole baked snapper, Mediterranean style; very much the sort of thing the wine was intended for I suspect. 90 Good
Region: Adelaide Hills
Alcohol: 13.0%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $22
Tasted: December 2012