S.C. Pannell, McLaren Vale (Australia) Tempranillo 2019

 Tempranillo is a grape variety most commonly associated with Spain.  However, this Iberian Peninsula variety is also climatically suitable to the South Australian wine-growing region, resulting in wines with brilliant balance, complexity, and flavor like this McLaren Vale Tempranillo.  This vibrant and complex wine comes from Stephen Pannell, one of Australia’s most imaginative winemakers.  He’s a Jimmy Watson Trophy winner, a McLaren Vale Bushing King winner, a two-time Max Schubert Trophy winner, International Red Winemaker of the Year, and Decanter Magazine’s 50 Most Influential Contributors to the World of Wine.  His 2017 "Dead End" (referencing vineyards at the dead end of Amery Road) is vibrant and complex with flavors of fresh red and black cherries, sweet licorice, black tea, and orange peel that lead to persistent tannins that carry through to a long and opulent finish.