Picardy 2000 Merlot Cabernet was the predecessor of the Merlimont and is still available for about $33. This wine is the anthesis of the 2001 version; this vintage was all about structure and by its very nature demands to be cellared. The wine is ample weight with firm but supple consistency, the abundant fine grained tannins supplying a solid layered structure which should become seamless in time.

The area that surrounds Pemberton and Manjimup is fast developing into one of our state’s most promising wine regions. Scoop brought together a panel of experts from the local vineyards to uncover the reasons for its unbridled success and taste some of the regions finest drops.