S.C. Pannell Winemaker

S.C. Pannell Winemaker is Stephen Pannell, a two-time Jimmy Watson Trophy winner now running his own McLaren Vale winery with 36 hectares of vineyard under his control. What sets him apart is his commitment to freshness: he picks earlier than convention, reduces oak influence by using larger neutral vessels, and makes wines with minimal intervention. This gives you pure, vibrant bottles that taste like the place they come from, not the cellar they came through. If you want Australian reds that feel alive rather than heavy, this is your producer.

About S.C. Pannell Winemaker

In 2014, Stephen Pannell established his own winery operation in McLaren Vale after building a reputation as one of Australia's most talented young winemakers. His philosophy centres on what he calls a varietal 'stamp' rather than varietal character—he blends to find harmony, not to hide faults. The Grenache/Shiraz/Touriga, for instance, is built so the sum exceeds its parts. In 2021, he and his wife Fiona acquired Little Branch, a nine-hectare holding in Blewitt Springs where 30-year-old unirrigated vines thrive at 140 metres elevation. These older vines yield fruit marked by intensity of flavour, generous ripeness, and perfumed floral notes on the nose. His approach to viticulture—better vineyard management allowing earlier picking—underpins everything. By controlling his fruit from vine to bottle, Pannell has elevated quality consistently. He actively reduces oak influence, moves to larger more neutral vessels, and makes unfiltered, low-sulphur wines like the Basso Garnacha for drinking in youth. This is winemaking built on restraint and respect for the raw material.

S.C. Pannell Winemaker Wines in Our Collection

The 2022 Little Branch Grenache (94pts, James Suckling 97, Robert Parker 97) from his Blewitt Springs vineyard delivers concentrated, vibrant fruit from those unirrigated 30-year-old vines. The 2022 Sunrise 99 Grenache (96pts, Robert Parker 100) is another expression of his Blewitt Springs work at its peak. For something different, the 2022 Dead End Tempranillo (92pts) proves Pannell's belief that Iberian varieties suit McLaren Vale—it carries aromas of wild flowers and ripe berry fruit with refined, supple tannin structure. The 2023 Field Street Shiraz (90pts) shows his minimal-intervention philosophy applied to the region's signature grape. If you want white, the 2025 Fi Fi Fiano (91pts) offers textural complexity with nectarine, pink grapefruit, lemongrass and honeysuckle notes—proof that Pannell's fresh, minimal-oak approach works across colours.

Food Pairing

Pannell's Grenaches and Tempranillos work beautifully with roasted lamb, grilled chorizo, and beef with herb crusts—dishes that need freshness to cut through richness. The Field Street Shiraz pairs with duck, venison, and darker poultry. The Fi Fi Fiano suits white fish with citrus or herb dressings, soft cheeses, and light pasta dishes. His unfiltered, low-sulphur approach means these wines have enough texture and grip to stand up to food without overpowering it.

Why does Stephen Pannell pick earlier than other winemakers?

He says he can only pick early due to better viticulture. Earlier picking preserves freshness and prevents over-ripeness, a key factor behind his award-winning style.

What makes the Little Branch Grenaches different?

They come from 30-year-old unirrigated vines at 140 metres elevation in Blewitt Springs, planted when Pannell purchased the nine-hectare vineyard in 2021. Low yields and old vines create superb concentration and lifted aromatics.

Does S.C. Pannell use a lot of oak?

No. He actively reduces oak influence by moving to larger, more neutral oak vessels. This allows the wine's varietal stamp and McLaren Vale character to shine through clearly.

Who makes S.C. Pannell wines?

Stephen Pannell, a two-time Jimmy Watson Trophy winner, established his own winery in McLaren Vale in 2014. He controls 36 hectares of vineyard, including the nine-hectare Little Branch holding in Blewitt Springs acquired in 2021.

What style of wine does S.C. Pannell make?

Pannell makes fresh, vibrant reds and whites using earlier picking, minimal oak, and low intervention. His Grenaches, Shiraz, and Tempranillo are rich and intense; the 2023 Old McDonald Grenache scored 96. His Fiano white offers tropical, balanced character.

How much does S.C. Pannell wine cost?

Pannell wines range from £17.85 to £88.40. Entry-level reds like Field Street Shiraz start at £17.85, while premium Blewitt Springs Grenaches sit between £42–£44, with the Sunrise 99 at £88.40.