A stunning set of releases from Picardy this year, which makes it very easy to write about. It’s been interesting following the 2022 Shiraz from early in its life to now as it evolved. Occasionally showing incredibly bright fruits, sometimes in conjunction with incredible width and power, to where it is now where it is slightly taut and hiding a few things. It’s all there though, I’m sure of that and I’d be cellaring this one for a good decade plus as they tend to show very well in these kind of vintages. The 2022 Estate Pinot is an absolute no brainer – it warms my soul to think how many bottles of this will be enjoyed over the Perth Spring and Summer, and for years down the track. And the 2022 Tete is coming next year(!), it will be hard to keep a lid on that one.
Picardy Sauvignon blanc / Semillon 2024
The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc / Semillon is fresh and enlivening, and with a few more tricks up its sleeve this vintage to boot. Quite savoury for the varietals, citrus, pith and blossom notes sit atop the stone fruit and melon, beguiled as the wine warmed up. Long and convincing, the wine finishes on a cashew and sumptuous nashi pear note. Very tidy!
Picardy Pinot Noir 2022
Enthrallingly fragrant, charming and opulent: reminiscent of a stroll through an English garden. The palate is lustrous and complex, channelling the essence of Picardy Pinot Noir. Petals, cherries and all-spice lead the way, with Turkish delight and fresh pomegranate thrown in for good measure. Great Pinot Noir is about shape and texture, and here it is in spades, with pockets of complexity emerging through the multi-dimensional palate. High class oak and the signature sour note drives the length. A masterful touch and fantastic growing season coming together again, encapsulating jaw-dropping beauty into a 750 ml bottle.
Picardy Shiraz 2022
Rich and concentrated, with black and blue fruits and a lick of aniseed for good measure. There is an uplifting presence in the 2022, with coating, chalky tannins that drive the palate, huddling tightly under the same umbrella as red fruits, raspberries and a fleck of aniseed and earth. In the context of Picardy, this is a powerful wine, bursting with potential, though somewhat taut, and tightly coiled at present. I’d highly recommend some time the cellar, or a good splash in the decanter to unveil the seductive cool climate spices and perfume.
Picardy Merlot Cabernet 2020
Gorgeous blue fruits, blackcurrant and lavender lead the bouquet, suggesting refinement, but it is the palate that takes this wine to the next level. The usual plump red fruits are there, but they play second fiddle to aristocratic earthy and savoury notes, with pencil shavings and streamlined tannins. The Picardy Merlot blend generally benefits immensely from time in bottle, allowing for the fruit to soften and integrate, however on this showing I can think of no reason to wait.
Picardy Tete du Cuvee 2021
Capturing the essence of the vintage, the 2021 Tete du Cuvee shows an ethereal lightness and deftness of touch. Bright red fruits, fresh picked cherries and a rose petal influence drive both the bouquet and palate. The exceptional length of this wine may be its standout feature, allowing the wines purity and depth to shine. Fine tannins run alongside for support, with just a lick of new oak showing itself at present. Delicate and Captivating, there is no overacting here: this is Louise Brooks, not Clara Bow. Capturing the elegance from a time passed, this is a graceful and approachable Tete, radiating with atavistic charm.
Picardy Chardonnay 2023
The upswing in quality of Picardy Chardonnay continues unabated, with the 2023 vintage delivering a wine that is both refined and decadent. The palate is less citrus driven this year, with white peach and stone fruit both opulent in their proportions. A subtle cinnamon infused beeswax note cascades into an complex back palate, with barrel work adding finesse and texture. Held together by a fine acid line, the wine finishes long and sumptuous. This is particularly fine Picardy Chardonnay, one that is not to be missed!
The Wine Accomplice 