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 DC comes from a single block of 47‑year‑old vines growing on deep, slate‑y siltstone and was hand‑picked in mid‑February 2019 before undergoing open‑top fermentation with an extended maceration.
On the nose, warm baking spices—nutmeg, cinnamon and clove—are lifted by whispers of roasted coffee and fresh bush herbs. The palate reveals a plush core of plum and blackberry, wrapped in firm yet silky tannins that carry through to a long, spice‑driven finish. This wine is delightful now for its immediate charm, but it will reward patience if you cellar it for 15–20 years.
Suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
