Fans of our big, ripe 2001 Merlimont may find they recognize some of the same power and fruit characters in this wine. In fact the two are quite similar in style. As in past years, this wine is a salute to the classic Bordeaux blend of complementary percentages of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. However unlike some wines that hail from the renowned French wine region, the rich fruit characters in the Picardy are invariably more balanced while pronounced. Such is the primary difference in Australian and French styles. Here you will find wild berry, ripe cherry, chocolate, musk and even some violet on the nose, while the palate is heady with soft sweet blackberry, plum and cassis characters. The mouth-feel is opulent and unctuous, laced with gentle tannins, while the finish is long, heavy with lingering fruit and decidedly savoury. This delightful red blend is unmistakably the product of Pemberton and arguably the best defining example of the Bordeaux trio of grapes in the area. Fabulous with lamb or venison!