attention with high-quality wines. Operated by cousins Corrina Wright and Brioni Oliver and empowered by Don Oliver, the winery and wines became a symbol of achievement and ambition for women in wine. The acquisition of the Lalla Rookh property at Blewitt Springs by Jess Jackson and Barbara Banke of California’s Jackson Family began a new focus on old vine Grenache and terroir wines. Under the new brand name, Yangarra winemaker Peter Fraser and vineyard manager Michael Lane rose to prominence. Grape grower David Paxton also released his first wines, beginning a narrative of sustainable winemaking. By 2011 he had converted 100% to organic and biodynamic viticulture. Gifted winemaker Steven Pannell, who was working with Warren Randall at Tinlins and vinifying material for masstige wine brands, also set up (with his wife Fiona) SC Pannell in 2004. Within a short period, he became a leading figure in McLaren Vale’s fine wine renaissance. This was followed by the acquisition of a 35-hectare vineyard neatly wedged between the historic Upper Tintara and Seaview Vineyards. Renamed Koomilya, after a 19 th Century lugger, and now a part of Pannell Enoteca, it promises to become one of the region’s iconic vineyards. In 2008 Angoves purchased a 1936-planted vineyard in Chalk Hill Road and renamed it the Warboys Vineyard. Zar and Elena Brooks established their Dandelion brand, further expanding the diversity of McLaren Vale wine.
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The Vintage Journal – Regional Focus
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