Not part of the in-crowd since 2005!

Picardy Pinot Noir 2005 ($35)

Alluring varietally correct nose of sour cherries, fennel, hints of snapped twig, earth and rhubarb – a great combination of fruit and forest floor. Stunningly juicy palate full of all the flavours on the nose with and undercurrent of sour cherry helping the wine along. Fine, chalky tannins line the side of the mouth while a touch of grip on the back palate ushers the wine along right through to its long, persistent finish. The flavour lingers in the mouth like strong mouthwash: if Listerine put out something that tasted remotely close to this, Australia would have the best dental health in the world. Last year while tasting Picardy’s 04 Tete De Cuvee, winemaker Dan Pannell told me that he believed the regular ’05 pinot noir was even better than the winery’s best pinot from the ’04 vintage. Quite a claim considering the pedigree of the Pannell’s pinot, but all alliteration aside – you can’t help but agree with Mr Pannell’s point-of-view when the wine in the bottle tastes this good. This will thrill lovers of the Picardy style while introducing many others to the wonders of this Pemberton venture. www.picardy.com.au