Hidden among the rolling hills of McLaren Vale, Koomilya is the passion project of Stephen Pannell—one of Australia’s most celebrated Shiraz winemakers. He fell in love with this tiny, 13‑hectare vineyard back in 1994 and finally bought it in 2012. The name pays homage to the SS Koomilya, a 19th‑century lugger whose bell Stephen once discovered while diving. Farmed regeneratively on ancient slate‑y siltstone soils, each Shiraz block is fermented with native yeasts in large oak vats or puncheons, then bottled unfiltered. The result is wines of incredible depth, spice and textural finesse that capture the true soul of McLaren Vale.
The 2018 GT Block Shiraz comes from a 31-year-old block grafted onto Gewürztraminer rootstock, hand picked in March under ideal ripening conditions. The nose is distinctive and layered, offering liquorice, bramble fruit and walnut, with subtle floral notes and a touch of coastal salinity adding lift and intrigue.
On the palate, it’s dense and dark, with concentrated berry flavours unfolding over a framework of powerful, chalky tannins. The wine is savoury and moreish, with real presence and drive. It’s just entering its prime, showing beautifully now but with the structure to evolve gracefully through to 2035.
Suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
