2021 Picardy Chardonnay, Pemberton

The vines are dry grown, cane pruned and handpicked, which in turn encourages low yields. In the winery the grapes are 60% destemmed, 40% whole bunch pressed. The fruit is transferred into an air bag press to gently extract the grape juice, which is then settled in tank.

The quintessential Picardy stone fruit character is here in spades on both palate and bouquet. Carefully pitched creamy, leesy notes add complexity without detracting from the main event. The cooler vintage (and just 12.5 % alcohol) drove light-on-its feet elegance whilst still achieving ample mid palate depth.

Some phenolic edginess and grip to the finish which dissipateS as the bottle opened up, replaced by subtle honey and almond notes. Picardy Chardonnay always reaps rewards with a bit of extra bottle age, and after looking at this over three days one would suggest that is again sound advice.

Picardy Wines