Pemberton Shiraz 2021

Tasting Notes:

The 2021 Picardy Shiraz exemplifies the winery’s mastery of traditional techniques, offering a wine that is both sophisticated and approachable, with the cool-climate influence of Pemberton lending it elegance.

• Colour: Deep, vibrant red with an inviting intensity.
• Aroma: A captivating nose of dark berries and plums, with a touch of spice and floral nuances from the co-fermentation of Malbec and Viognier, which adds complexity and sweetness to the fruit profile.
• Palate: The wine is medium to full-bodied, with a beautifully integrated structure. Flavours of blackberries, plums, and dark cherries are enhanced by subtle spice and floral notes, while fine-grained tannins and a low pH lend a smooth, balanced finish.

Food Pairings:

• Slow-Cooked Beef Brisket: The rich, savoury flavours of slow-cooked beef brisket are perfectly complemented by the wine’s depth and complexity.
• Lamb Stew: The robust nature of a rich lamb stew harmonises beautifully with the wine’s bold fruit and nuanced tannins.
• Grilled Meats: Enjoy this Shiraz with barbecued ribs or a juicy steak, where its full-bodied character brings out the best in the meat.
• Hard Cheeses: Try it with mature cheddar or a selection of hard cheeses, which create a wonderful contrast to the wine’s fruit and tannin structure.

Additional Info:

• Region: Pemberton, Western Australia
• Variety: Shiraz (with 4% Malbec and 2% Viognier)
• Vintage: 2021
• Alcohol: 14.5%
• Cellaring Potential: This wine has excellent ageing potential, improving over the next 8-10 years.
• Closure: Screw cap

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

Technical Terms Explained:

• Co-fermentation: The process of fermenting different grape varieties together, in this case, Shiraz with Malbec and Viognier. This adds layers of flavour, sweetness, and complexity to the wine, enhancing its overall character.
• Fine-Grained Tannins: Tannins are compounds found in grape skins and seeds that contribute to the wine’s structure. Fine-grained tannins are smoother and more refined, offering a silkier mouthfeel.

Review:

Ray Jordan – 94 Points
A beautifully perfumed and aromatic shiraz that sits a little closer to the syrah style in structure and weight. No matter, it has a little viognier and malbec which contribute to the initial burst on the nose. The palate is velvety smooth and integrated with a fine chalky tannin influence on the supple fruit. Gets about 18% new oak and seems to have a slightly higher toast which adds immeasurably to the finished wine.

Lean about Picardy Winery

Our Story

Picardy, a distinguished boutique winery in the Pemberton region of Western Australia, was established in 1993 by Bill, Sandra, and Dan Pannell. The Pannell family’s winemaking journey began with the founding of Moss Wood vineyard in Margaret River in 1969. Moss Wood played a pivotal role in elevating Margaret River as a key Australian wine region. At Picardy, the Pannell family continues this legacy of exceptional winemaking. Dan Pannell, who has been immersed in the wine industry from a young age, holds a Bachelor of Science (Oenology) from The University of Adelaide.

Picardy’s diverse wine collection includes Sauvignon Blanc Semillon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. All wines under the Picardy label come exclusively from their single vineyard in Pemberton, showcasing the family’s dedication to quality.

The Site

Picardy’s vineyard is strategically positioned on a gentle north-facing slope at 200 metres above sea level, approximately 35 kilometres from the Southern Ocean. Bill Pannell chose this location for its well-drained loam and gravel soils, ideal for crafting premium cool-climate wines, particularly Pinot Noir. The vineyard’s elevation and proximity to the ocean provide cooling summer breezes, perfect for high-quality wine production.

Viticultural Approach

Picardy adopts a meticulous viticultural strategy to enhance grape quality. The vines are closely spaced to foster competition and encourage deep root growth, and they are trained low to take advantage of the heat radiating from the gravelly soils. The winery follows sustainable practices, including using cover crops like clover and annual grasses, composting vine prunings, and implementing a non-cultivation policy to preserve soil structure and promote a healthy ecosystem.

Additional practices include Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP) trellising, shoot thinning, hedging, and leaf plucking to ensure optimal air circulation through the vine canopy. Crop thinning at veraison and removal of damaged fruit before harvest guarantee only the finest fruit is selected. Hand harvesting ensures minimal handling and maintains the grapes’ quality.

The Burgundian Clones

In the 1980s, Bill and Sandra Pannell’s involvement in Burgundy led them to a major clonal selection trial for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This trial identified several superior clones, including four Chardonnay clones (76, 95, 96, and 277) and three Pinot Noir clones (114, 115, and 777). These clones were selected for their potential to produce exceptional wines rather than their yield.

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

The Oak

At Picardy, oak is used to complement the pure fruit of the Pemberton region rather than overshadow it. In 1998, Bill and Sandra Pannell sought out a premier barrel producer in Burgundy and discovered Tonnellerie Meyrieux Fils, which has since become a key supplier. Approximately 80% of Picardy’s barrels are sourced from this French cooperage. The Picardy cellar features oak from seven different producers with various toast levels and forest origins, and ongoing trials aim to continually improve 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