Picpoul de Pinet AOP Decanter panel tasting 95/100
"After making wine in New Zealand, Anaïs Ricôme returned to her Languedoc roots in 2009, joining her father Yves at the family domaine (certified organic since 2021). Determined for Piquepoul to achieve its finest expression, she spent years trialling different vinification techniques, landing on this: from a single parcel just 4km from the Thau lagoon, harvested about 10 days later than the norm, the wine is aged on its lees for six months, 30% in ceramic jars and the rest in concrete tanks. 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. Overt leesy flavours. It will have fans. 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. Wieteke Teppema: Citrus and yellow fruits on a full, textural palate with lees ageing evident; a touch lactic. Atypical, yet very accomplished."
