The seasonal conditions laid the foundations for the production of an outstanding Picardy pinot noir in 2001.

The 2001 drinks well now, and will continue to improve for at least the next five years. This wine is in much the same vein as the 2000 pinot noir. All clones represented in this wine have achieved yield maturity (the earthy 114 clone being the last to do so) and therefore the 2001 is quite Burgundian in style. It is also representative of what is now, the Picardy style. Flavour profile offers suggestions of earth and truffle characters offset by sweet fruit in the dark cherry spectrum. As this wine matures we feel that the truffle and earth elements will build slowly. One of Picardy’s hallmarks is careful use of oak. Typically, oak influence in the 2001 Pinot Noir is both subtle and supportive, adding complexity and length to the wine. The acid is obvious but nicely balanced against tannin and fruit sweetness, giving the wine a succulent character and guaranteeing longevity. Tannin, as always is fine and deftly integrated.

The Pannell’s feel this wine will drink now to 2010+