Western Australia

Ray Jordan’s Guide to Wine 2008

Picardy

Bill Pannell’s decision to establish Picardy at Pemberton was based on the gravellysoils and cool climate that he believed would ideally suit pinot noir, shiraz and chardonnay. Indications are that, as always, he was right. The wines are made to reflect traditional French regional styles.

There are few people more committed to excellence in the Australian wine industry than Bill Pannell. His passion and single-minded focus first took him to Margaret River in the late 1960s when he estavlished Moss Wood, the pre-eminent small vineyard in Australia.

Then, with a dream of making a great Australian pinot supplanting his original pursuit of great cabernet at Margaret River, he began Picardy at Pemberton.

One of his sons, Dan, who cut his teeth in Margaret River as a child and then as a winemaker, runs Picardy with him.

For Bill, the idealistic pursuit of wine excellence remains undimmed by more than 30 years in the industry, He and Dan are heading down a new and groundbreaking path in the wine styles; these are not mainstream pinots and chardonnays, In the case of pinot, there is a tight, rustic edge with real strength and structure of the type you find in the longest-living Burgundies.

The wines

Chardonnay 2006

Another super example of classy chardonnay coming from this vineyard. It’s complec with lots of mealy grapefruit characters merged perfectly with some nice understated oak. Palate is long and persistent. 93/100

Pinot noir 2005

Colour is light reddy crimson. Aromas of savoury fragrant cherry and vanillin characters, slightly gamy. The palate is medium weight but with power and persistence. Excellent texture with good length. Best with further cellaring. 91/100

Merlot cabernet sauvignon cabernet franc 2005

A very inpressive merlot-dominated wine. It’s remarkable complex with a silky seamless palate of length and style. No doubt the two cabernets are adding plenty to the warm flesh of merlot. Velvety smooth and appealing. 90/100

Tete du Cuvee pinot noir 2005

This is very good. One of the most substantial yet from Picardy, a pinot loaded with awesome power. Amazing complex with velvety texture and deep penetrating flavours. This is a super wine. 95/100