Picardy Pinot Noir 2023

Accolades

Ray Jordan – 97 Points

“Well, well, well. I expected the ’23 pinot from Picardy to be pretty special, and it is. Actually, it’s better than special. Aromatics are fragrant and alluring, with bright red fruits, a subtle truffly raspberry and cherry mix, and a touch of limestone nuance. The palate is simply sublime. This is pinot noir that helps define the variety in Western Australia. There’s power, effortless power, but it’s delivered with such finesse, cascading across the palate before flowing through to a very long finish”

Tasting Notes

The 2023 Picardy Estate Pinot Noir is a testament to Picardy’s craftsmanship, showcasing both the power and finesse that Pinot Noir from the Pemberton region can achieve.

• Colour: Deep ruby, reflecting the wine’s intensity and depth.
• Aroma: A complex bouquet that leads with bold black cherry notes, enhanced by a savoury, slightly mushroomy quality and delicate floral undertones, making for an inviting and sophisticated nose.
• Palate: The medium to light body supports a layered palate of lush red fruit, intricate spice, and earthy nuances. The wine’s silky texture is balanced by bright acidity, creating precision and vibrancy, while the long finish highlights its complexity.

Food Pairings

• Roasted Duck: The wine’s bright acidity and rich fruit complement the savoury richness of roasted duck, enhancing the dish’s flavours.
• Grilled Salmon: A versatile pairing, where the wine’s vibrancy and structure highlight the richness of grilled salmon.
• Mushroom Risotto or Wild Mushroom & Goat Cheese Tart: The earthy tones of the wine are perfectly suited to these rich, savoury dishes.
• Herb-Infused Salad & Charcuterie: For a lighter option, pair it with a herb-infused salad or a charcuterie platter with prosciutto and pâté for a delightful contrast.

Additional Info

• Region: Pemberton, Western Australia
• Variety: Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2023
• Alcohol: 13.5%
• Cellaring Potential: This wine will continue to evolve beautifully over the next 6-8 years.
• Closure: Screw cap

Best Serving Temperature: 14-16°C (slightly chilled)

Technical Terms Explained:

• Burgundy Clones: These are specific clones of Pinot Noir that are known for producing wines with concentrated flavours and complexity, contributing to the wine’s refined structure.
• Decanting: The process of pouring wine from the bottle into a decanter to allow it to aerate and open up, which enhances the aromas and flavours. This wine benefits from decanting to release its sweet fruit characters.

Vintage:

The 2023 vintage in Pemberton will likely be remembered as one of both subtle challenge and expressive reward, particularly for Pinot Noir. The region’s cool-climate credentials were fully tested this season, and those vineyards who managed the canopy, moisture and site-level variation with care now reap the benefits in fruit of great clarity and finesse.

In the vineyard, seasonal conditions pressed growers to be nimble. Spring was cooler and wetter than average, pushing back budburst and slowing early growth. But by mid-season, Pemberton’s advantage as a cooler, wetter region became an asset: the moderation allowed the vines to pace themselves, to develop phenolic nuance without overcooking under extreme heat. Ripening was gradual, with the fruit hanging well into autumn and accumulating complexity in the skins.

The result for Pinot Noir is wines of fine tension and aromatic precision. Expect a lifted bouquet of wild rose petals, red cherry, cranberry and a delicate spice overlay. The cooler nights preserved acidity, lending freshness and drive on the palate, while the slow ripening nurtured depth and texture without excess weight. Tannin extraction remains silky rather than aggressive, giving the wines a lithe backbone rather than brute force.

What 2023 may lack in sheer volume it will make up for in detail and longevity. These Pinots feel built for the long haul — early drinking will reveal their fruit and perfume, but they’ll reward patience, evolving into layered, complex expressions of Pemberton terroir over the coming decade.