“Outstanding…taking Picpoul de Pinet to the level of fine wine!“ -JancisRobinson.com (Tamlyn Currin), 17.5 points

I say, I say, I say… when is a Picpoul de Pinet not a Picpoul de Pinet? When it is harvested 10 days later than the norm, spends 6 months on the lees, undergoes batonnage, and is aged in ceramic jars. Boom, boom! Geddit?! I’ll never understand why my career as a stand-up comedian didn’t take off.

This Picpoul de Pinet wasn’t made to be like most, it doesn’t “bite your tongue” (the literal translation of ‘Picpoul’), it’s much richer and broader in flavour and texture thanks to the winemaking choices of Anaïs Ricôme, who returned to the family domaine in 2009, after making wine in New Zealand, and trialled many different plots and vinification techniques, before landing on this single vineyard, called ‘Bréchallune.’ It’s a calm, elegant wine, closer in style to a Chablis, and would go beautifully with a piece of turbot with hollandaise sauce. 13% alc. Drink now-2035. Organic.

Press reviews:

Decanter (Natalie Earl): “Rich and creamy aromas, buttery even: popcorn, toast. Rich and weighty, oily in texture, yet with a dry finish that hints at salinity and bitter pith. Overtly leesy flavours. It will have fans.“ 95 points

Decanter (Heather Dougherty): “A slight earthiness extends from nose to palate, which is both broad and fresh. Lovely lees influence adds to the soft green herbs and lively fruit.“ 95 points

Decanter (Wieteke Teppema): “Citrus and yellow fruits on a full, textured palate with lees ageing evident; a touch lactic. Atypical, but very accomplished.“ 95 points

JancisRobinson.com (Tamlyn Currin): “This is my producer of the day. Another thrilling wine. Dry but honeyed, marmalade intensity and bitterness. Candied citrus peel, star anise. Curves and coils, but still etched. Long. Glowing. Outstanding. Kudos to importer Liberty Wines for finding this young winemaker, Anaïs Ricôme (who spent some time in New Zealand making wine before she came home to the family domaine). She is taking Picpoul de Pinet to the level of fine wine! Drink now-2030.” 17.5 points