Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon & Franc Blend 2019

Tasting Notes:

The 2019 Picardy Cabernet Blend beautifully showcases a harmonious balance of fruit, structure, and subtle complexity, making it a delightful addition to any table.

• Colour: Vibrant ruby red with bright, inviting hues.
• Aroma: The nose offers a delightful blend of bright red fruits—think cherry and raspberry—along with floral notes and a touch of star anise and tomato leaf, adding intrigue and complexity.
• Palate: On the palate, the wine is light to medium-bodied, with juicy flavours of red berries and plums, supported by the subtle spice of star anise and a hint of herbaceousness. The tannins are fine-grained and chalky, offering a smooth structure, while the wine’s natural acidity keeps the finish refreshing and lively.

Food Pairings:

• Roasted Pork Tenderloin: The juicy fruit and subtle spice of the wine beautifully complement the savoury, tender pork.
• Mushroom-Stuffed Chicken Breast: The wine’s smooth structure and spice notes pair harmoniously with the earthiness of mushrooms and the savoury flavours of chicken.
• Charcuterie Platter: The freshness of the wine enhances a range of cured meats and pâtés, creating a delightful balance.
• Gourmet Pizza: Enjoy it with a rich tomato-based pizza topped with fresh basil and olives, where the wine’s vibrant acidity and fruitiness work in perfect harmony.

Additional Info:

• Region: Pemberton, Western Australia
• Variety: 65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc
• Vintage: 2019
• Alcohol: 14.0%
• Cellaring Potential: Best enjoyed now, but will continue to evolve with further ageing over the next 5-7 years.
• Closure: Screw cap

Best Serving Temperature: 16-18°C (slightly chilled)

Technical Terms Explained:

• Fine-Grained Tannins: Tannins contribute to a wine’s structure. Fine-grained tannins are smoother and more refined, offering a silky mouthfeel and supporting the wine’s balance without overpowering it.
• Refreshing Acidity: This refers to the natural crispness in the wine, often contributing to a lively, clean finish that makes the wine refreshing and easy to drink.

Review:

Ray Jordan Wine Review – 94 Points
This slightly more restrained vintage has contributed to a pretty and delightfully elegant wine. Has an engaging mix of light plum, cherry and licorice. On the finish a little chalky minerality adds that final tick. Love the oak and tannin integration which have contributed to the medium weight frit to create a thoroughly beautiful expression of these three varieties.

Lean about Picardy Winery

Our Story

Picardy is a leading boutique winery located in the Pemberton region of Western Australia, founded in 1993 by Bill, Sandra, and Dan Pannell. The Pannell family’s winemaking legacy began with the establishment of Moss Wood vineyard in Margaret River in 1969. Moss Wood was instrumental in establishing Margaret River as a premier Australian wine region. Picardy aims to continue this tradition of excellence. Dan Pannell, who grew up in the wine industry, furthered his expertise with a Bachelor of Science (Oenology) from The University of Adelaide.

Picardy produces a range of wines, including Sauvignon Blanc Semillon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. Every wine under the Picardy label comes exclusively from Pemberton, reflecting the Pannell family’s commitment to quality.

The Site

The Picardy vineyard is situated on a gentle north-facing slope at an altitude of 200 metres, 35 kilometres from the Southern Ocean. This location was carefully chosen by Bill Pannell for its well-drained loam and gravel soils, which are ideal for producing high-quality cool-climate wines, especially Pinot Noir. The site’s elevation and proximity to the ocean provide cooling summer breezes, creating optimal conditions for premium wine production.

Viticultural Approach

Picardy employs a careful viticultural approach to maximise grape quality. The vines are closely planted to encourage competition and deeper root growth, and are trained low to benefit from the heat radiating from the gravelly soils. Sustainable practices are integral to Picardy’s philosophy, including the use of cover crops like clover and annual grasses, composting with vine prunings, and a non-cultivation policy to maintain soil structure and promote a healthy ecosystem.

Other practices include Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP) trellising, shoot thinning, hedging, and leaf plucking to ensure optimal airflow through the vine canopy. The vines are crop-thinned at veraison, and any damaged fruit is removed before harvest. Hand harvesting ensures that only the highest quality fruit is selected, minimising handling and preserving the integrity of the grapes.

The Burgundian Clones

During their time in Burgundy in the 1980s, Bill and Sandra Pannell became involved in a significant clonal selection trial for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This trial identified several exceptional clones, including four Chardonnay clones (76, 95, 96, and 277) and three Pinot Noir clones (114, 115, and 777). These were chosen for their potential to produce outstanding wines rather than their yield.

The Pannells have since imported additional Pinot Noir clones from Corton, selected based on their wine quality. This selection includes Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, all chosen to enhance the complexity and character of Picardy’s wines.

The Oak

At Picardy, oak is used to complement, rather than dominate, the fruit of the Pemberton region. In 1998, Bill and Sandra Pannell visited Burgundy to find a high-quality barrel producer and discovered Tonnellerie Meyrieux Fils, which has since become a key supplier for Picardy. About 80% of Picardy’s barriques are sourced from this French cooperage. The Picardy cellar features oak from seven producers with various toast levels and forest types, and ongoing trials continue to refine and enhance the quality of their wines.

Read Picardy Wine Reviews Here

If you are planning a Pemberton trip, make sure to visit the Pemberton Wine Region official page HERE

If there is a Picardy Wine you would like us to order in please email us on info@partnersinwine.com.au