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.

Lean about Picardy

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

Why Pinot Noir Thrives in Pemberton

Pinot Noir thrives in Pemberton, Western Australia, due to its unique combination of climate, soil, and topography. The region enjoys a cool, maritime climate, influenced by the nearby Southern Ocean, which provides mild summers and cool nights. This temperature variation is crucial for Pinot Noir, as it allows the grapes to ripen slowly, enhancing their flavour complexity and maintaining acidity.

The well-drained, nutrient-rich soils of Pemberton, primarily consisting of sandy loam over clay, promote healthy vine growth and yield high-quality fruit. These soils retain moisture, essential during drier periods, while also allowing for proper drainage, preventing root rot.

Additionally, Pemberton’s diverse topography, with its undulating hills and valleys, creates microclimates that further benefit the grapevines. These variations enable growers to select ideal sites for Pinot Noir, ensuring optimal sunlight exposure and protection from harsh winds.

The region’s commitment to sustainable viticulture practices also supports the health of the vineyards, allowing for the production of premium wines. As a result, Pemberton has gained recognition for its exceptional Pinot Noir, showcasing vibrant flavours and elegant structures that reflect the terroir, making it a standout region for this delicate varietal.