Picardy Tete de Cuvee Pinot Noir 2022

In their words -  Tête De Cuvée means the best wine of the vintage. This wine was born through Bill's and Dan's love of old world Pinot Noir wines and their desire to make the best Pinot Noir of which Picardy is capable.

This wine is not a reserve wine made in the usual method of selecting the best barrels for separate bottling. Instead, it is made entirely as a separate wine with a greater emphasis on intensity, complexity, structure and cellaring potential.

As with the Picardy Pinot Noir, this wine is made from 11 clones (Droopy, Upright, 114, 115, 777 and 6 new clones imported from Corton). The base of this wine is from a 0.1 hectare block planted to traditional old world planting density (10,000 vines per hectare) and trellis style. The remainder of this wine is taken from a portion of the main Picardy Pinot Noir block which is crop thinned to below 5 tonnes per hectare (35 hectolitres per hectare).

Critics thoughts -  Wow, this is something special…very special. This is at the pinnacle of the Pannell family’s quest for great Pinot Noir.  The 2020 vintage is spoken of in hushed tones, yet this one is pushing it all the way. It was a little closed when tasted but you don’t have to look far to see its greatness. It’s a multi-clonal blend which contributes to its complexity and feel on so many levels.  It’s exquisitely balanced and poised yet it carries an explosive payload of intensity and layered complexity.  99 points Ray Jordan

Deep, dark and brooding aromas of blood plum, forest berries, dark cherry and woodsy spice to start. Its demureness draws you into the glass to find layers of earthen savouriness, petrichor, a glimmer of graphite and black tea.  On the palate, there’s a welcome core of dark cherry minerality bringing lift and spine surrounded by plum, brown spice, graphite and earth. It’s powerful and concentrated, but so masterfully controlled.

Fine tannins coat the mouth and a wash of dark fruited acidity freshens a long finish. This is coiled and brooding with restrained power aching to release. One for the cellar. Drink from 2029 - 2036.  Tom Kline, Jasper Morris - Inside Burgundy