Jancis Robinson on the Picardy Shiraz 2007 Pemberton Points:18. Drink 2008-13.
Mineral, interesting scents and some development. Lovely balance. Really sophisticated! Surely cool climate? Exceptionally good winemaking. So subtle and satisfying. Surely the hand of a Pannell? Vibrant and different and so fresh. Good now an...d in the future... Succulent.
Don't write off Australia!...There were also surprisingly few over- the- top Shirazes, and some real eye- opening sophisticates such as the Picardy wine...

PICARDY PINOT NOIR 2007

SATURDAY, MAY 9 2009

BY GARY WALSH

This was tasted for The Big Red Wine Book back in January and it just arrived again - at release time..I meant to tell them there was no need. I’m re-tasting from the second bottle they sent in January as it happens, and will do the same with the Merlot blend and Shiraz seeing as they have had a good time to settle from their travels.

It’s a light colour and indeed it’s a fairly light and delicate sort of Pinot. It opens with a bit of sauvage sausage, red fruits, undergrowth, light but positive French vanilla oak and offers a certain minty sort of perfume with a pinch of volatile lift. Again the palate is light and fresh but crisp and vibrant - expressive and insistent, although quietly so. There’s some gamy flavour, and a little marzipan, but on the whole it’s of a bright red fruited flavour profile. Tannins are light, but firm and dry and there’s no shortage of length. Very good Pinot and likely to develop handsomely.

Rated : 91+ POINTS
Drink : 2011 - 2017