| Picardy Chardonnay 2003 |
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Following the miniscule quantity of the 2002 Picardy Chardonnay, the Pannell Family were hoping for a return to normal crop levels in 2003, but alas this was not to be and the 2003 was again a very low yielding vintage.The vintage conditions were very similar to 2002 with a long cool but dry season, resulting in wines showing great cool climate characters and style.The 2003 Chardonnay is therefore quite similar to the 2002. It is true to what has become the Picardy Chardonnay style, confirming the Pannell Family’s faith in the Dijon clones, Meyrieux barrels and their viticultural and winemaking techniques.The 2003 Chardonnay has a mid yellow to green hue, with a refined complex nose showing floral and flinty aromas, supported by subtle spicy (cinnamon and nutmeg) cedary characters.The palate has excellent structure, with quite luscious fruit and tight tangy acid. Fruit flavours are very complex and are at the lime, grass, honeydew melon end of the spectrum with hints of mineral, hazelnut, pear and honey as secondary characters. These characters are sure to develop with careful ageing for around 5 to 10 years or more. The oak is expertly married, extending the palate with a lingering savoury finish. The Pannell Family believe the 2003 Chardonnay has a fine balance of fruit, natural acidity and oak resulting in a wine which represents true varietal and regional expression and which can be confidently cellared. Drink now to 2013.
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