Dead End Tempranillo takes its name from the Dead End of Amery Road in McLaren Vale, where growers with the foresight to plant Spanish varietals decades ago now provide SC Pannell with fruit of compelling character and genuine regional identity. Steve Pannell has long championed Iberian varieties in McLaren Vale, and this wine remains one of the most accessible and honest expressions of the argument — Tempranillo finding its place in the warm, dry Mediterranean-influenced soils of one of Australia's great wine regions.
The 2023 draws on fruit from Koomilya and associated McLaren Vale parcels, reflecting a vintage shaped by warm conditions and the region's characteristic generosity. At 14.5% ABV, it delivers real depth without heaviness — the hallmark of McLaren Vale Tempranillo at its best.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Dark cherry compote, sarsaparilla and cola lift from the glass alongside red confectionery and cassis. Dried thyme and mace add savoury complexity, with charcuterie character in the background and a thread of sandalwood and native florals — rose petals and subtle bush notes.
Palate: Initially subtle and silky in texture, building in richness and structure as it opens. The dark fruit core is framed by gentle tannin and lively acidity — classic Tempranillo tension between fruit weight and freshness.
Finish: Lingering and savoury, with persistent fruit and a dry, herb-flecked close that invites the next glass.
Vineyard & Region
McLaren Vale, South Australia. Significant contribution from the Koomilya vineyard at the Dead End of Amery Road. SC Pannell works with growers who planted Iberian varietals in McLaren Vale long before it was fashionable, and the wine reflects that long-term relationship between variety, site and winemaker vision. Producer cellaring guidance: this wine will continue to develop over another 5–8 years from vintage.
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