2018 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"For one that is not normally a fan of picpoul, I've enjoyed this bottle- in particular with juicy green olives marinated in chilli and red pepper. "
Ms Tiffany Flynn (29-Jan-2020)
"I have tried many Picpouls (including the Society blend) and I continue to come back to this one as in my opinion it is the best and most consistent I have found by a margin. It is a staple I always like to have in my cellar and seem to be having to replenish more frequently than even. Guests rave about it too so it is safe to produce to meet almost all tastes. I have never had a disappointing bottle and while I think the classification of 1 (bone dry) maybe analytically correct it is a bit misleading as its natural fruitness makes it taste sweeter. "
Mr Charles Crawfurd (12-Jan-2020)
"I really liked it - not knowingly had a Picpoul before. Light, short palate, a bit like a Muscadet S-e-M; not from the Loire though!
Described as 'bone dry' but perhaps not - still dry, but rounded.
I will buy again."
Dr John Bolton (22-Dec-2019)
"Nice golden straw colour, a bit musty on the nose, sort of sweet smelling. quite light, thin, ok flavour, but not great. It wasn’t really refreshing or really anything else either.
It was ok, not a lot better than that.
"
Mr Edmond Mandell (15-Dec-2019)
"Described as being dry (bone dry in the wine notes), we were very disappointed with this wine as it is somewhat sweet"
Dr John P Honeyman (09-Dec-2019)
"Really good value - light and refreshing "
Mrs Keris De Villiers (11-Sep-2019)
"A delightful wine, oddly described as bone dry, which it ain't. Summer's coming to an end but that is not going to stop me from buying another case."
Mr Geoffrey Keen (21-Aug-2019)
"This is a lovely and dangerously refreshing Picpoul. There's a note almost of olive oil on the nose. I do think the saltiness is there - it adds to the moreish, round texture that chews on the tongue, and there's such delicious, balanced acidity. I agree with both other reviewers suggesting to chill it slightly less than might seem obvious, as this will bring out the generous qualities in this yummy wine. Such great value."
Mr Jonathan Quaintrell-Evans (11-Jun-2019)
"This is great but doesn't have much saltiness as it used to - as its trying to be fashionable - nevertheless super value - pity no back label to tell us more. Don't chill too much and drink outside in an orchard (if you have one!) to allow it to ooze its charm.. A summer wine, bit flowery aka pinot blanc without the nose and sweetness. Put it in your cellar along with the Society's Slovenian white, Alsace Pinot Blanc, Society's Grunveltliner, and enjoy in 2019. Not for keeping"
Mr Julian Payne (15-May-2019)
"A really lovely Picpoul. Less lean than some examples. Delicious.
Appearance: clear, medium gold
Nose:lemon and lime, tropical fruit richness
Palate: medium acidity; slightly oily mouth feel; citrus flavours which holds to the finish, a little creamy richness, honeysuckle; good length.
(Tasted slightly less chilled than normal.)"
Mr Michael King (11-May-2019)
2018 VINTAGE - PRESS REVIEWS
Rotherham Advertiser (22nd Oct 2019)
"Crisp, fresh, citrus
and herb. Enjoyable on its own or with seafood. - David Clay"
The Observer (18th Aug 2019)
"There are parts of
the Languedoc that have always been better known for whites than reds, with the
patch of vines that follows the Étang du Thau lagoon around the towns of Agde,
Sète and Pézenas perhaps the best-known of all. Here the Picpoul de Pinet
appellation takes its name from the piquepoul blanc grape variety and produces
wine that is, logically enough, perfectly suited to the local seafood,
including the oysters cultivated in the lagoon itself. These whites are
decidedly unpretentious – simple but in a good way. There’s no attempt – or at
least none that I’ve come across – to imitate burgundy or make vins de garde
for tucking away in the cellar for years. At their best they offer a calmingly
cool and crisp combination of citrus and subtle floral and leafy herbal notes
with a seabreeze freshness, all qualities found in Felines-Jourdan’s top-notch
example. - David Williams"
The Scotsman (24th Aug 2019)
"Star buy: Rich, ripe,
fleshy fruit, apricot undertones, creamy texture, zippy fresh acidity with a
salty briskness. Well-made and great value too. - Rose Murray Brown"
The Times (13th Jul 2019)
"… delicious, rich,
nutty, yet saline … Jane MacQuitty"
2017 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"My first ever picpoul, so don't know what to compare it to. It reminds me a bit of gin, the palate has a real mouth sapping slatey dryness, with a short sharp aftertaste. Nose has got slight lemon rind and salinity. Wouldn't call this refreshing"
Mr Matthew Utting (05-Jul-2020)
"I am a lover of Picpoul and when it is available don't understand the manic rush for Sauvignon Blanc. This is a joyous little wine that is fresh and easy on the palate, has lots of life in it and some lingering notes of gooseberries and white-currants. I could drink this all afternoon I- just loved it and is very good value. "
Mr Charles Whitehead (05-Mar-2019)
"Nothing new to add to previous reviews. Dry without being too austere. Lovely fruit without being too heavy. Good as an aperitif or with subtly flavoured food. Excellent value for money. "
Mr Colin Mitchell (03-Mar-2019)
"Fruity, dry and delicious, not much more to say. One of the nicest whites I have had in a while. Recommended."
Mr Gordon Allan (26-Jan-2019)
"Very pleasant wine. Will probably order again."
Mr Keith Rose (02-Jan-2019)
"Enjoyed this wine very much. Not complex but fine and light with a lovely freshness of fruit. Just a good weekend drinking wine "
Mr Mike Robb (16-Dec-2018)
"I discovered this for the first time this year. ( I have been a member of the Wine Society since 1966). It featured in Buyers Favourites which has always been a good source of new discoveries."
Mr John I Smith (07-Dec-2018)
"This is by far and away the best Picpoul I've tasted. Everything is balanced . If you've never given this wine try , try it now . At 8.50 a bottle it's a steal ."
Mr John Hope (02-Oct-2018)
"Picpoul has come on leaps and bounds since it was granted AOC status, most of the wines are a great improvement on the early acidic, thin offerings; in fact these days it's normally a safe choice in a restaurant. However, I've not had a Picpoul that's better than this one for every day drinking. A good companion to nearly all seafood."
Dr Richard Hobson (30-Sep-2018)
"I was introduced to Picpoul several years ago and although I thought ' yes this is nice, lightish white, I didn't get too excited about it .But the Society's example is outstanding so I would urge you if you haven't every given this wine a second thought to try it , I really don't think you'll be disappointed."
Mr John Hope (11-Sep-2018)
"The positives - easy drinking, dry with fruitiness. Great value. Goes with everything and nothing - i.e. a great aperitif.
The negatives - it goes too quickly!
This is a wine that is supposed to be enjoyed, not analysed. I will save my comments about "nose" and "lingering aftertaste" for more upmarkey wines such as Premier Cru Chablis and a good Pouilly-Fumé, which are amongst my favourite whites. Picpoul de Pinet is for those "back home from work" moments when we want to unwind. And this example fits the bill perfectly."
Mr William McIldowie (17-May-2018)
"New vintage, new comments - I confirm this Picpoul de Pinet as a five star favourite, this vintage is as good as ever combining dryness, fullness and fruitiness, a delightful aperitif and wonderful accompaniment to a variety of fish dishes."
Mr Tom Bulley (28-Apr-2018)
2017 VINTAGE - PRESS REVIEWS
The Observer (19th Aug 2018)
"Picpoul de Pinet is
never going to come off well in a comparison with some of the bigger French
wine hitters. The dry, unoaked white wine from the western end of the Languedoc
isn’t the kind of thing anyone would buy to put in a cellar, or make a flashy fuss
of ordering at a restaurant. The gap between the best and the worst examples
isn’t especially wide: a friend in the trade likes to say it all comes from one
big tank. And yet, all of the above is somehow part of its attraction. It’s
there to do a job – match the seafood from the nearby Med and the Thau lagoon –
without too much fuss. The picpoul grape variety’s natural acid nip and
breeziness combining with lemon, touches of leafy herb and, in the impeccable
production from Félines-Jourdan, a swell of stone-fruity richness. - David Williams"
2016 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"Colour: Bright, light golden yellow.
Aroma: Expressive, clean and fresh, lemon, tropical fruit like guava or pineapple, mineral and wet crushed stones.
Taste: Medium body, dry, zippy with a refreshing character. Lots of citrus and saline flavours with a lemony slightly bitter good length finish.
Overall: A good example of Picpoul de Pinet. I have tried zestier, crisper examples but there is enough acidity to give a fresh easy-drinking wine that has abundant aromas and flavours. No complaints, it's good value, tasty, a crowd pleaser so I can only recommend."
Mr Gabriel Higgins (23-Mar-2018)
2015 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"This is one of the most characterless wines from the Society I have drunk. Bland and inoffensive but with so many outstanding other wines to buy don't bother with this one. I struggle to find adjectives to describe the flavour and although it is described as bone dry it lacks the mineral steeliness that I want from a truly dry white."
Mr Colin W Brewer (03-May-2017)
"This finds its way on to my repeat order list as an aperitif and as a partner to white fish, it's crisp and dry but surprisingly full and fruity in the mouth, very satisfying."
Mr Tom Bulley (26-Mar-2017)
"This, on a sunny day in spring, was a revelation. Yes, as first, it is a bit of an assault on the senses but let its lemony zing titiilate your palate and then have a glass with any fish and you are onto a winner. I do consultancy in the licensed trade and know that Picpoul struggles to sell north of Watford but this is a joyous wine - unpretentious and fun but if you are stuck in LaLa Burgundy land and can afford it - stay there! Leave he rest for the adventurous"
Mr Trevor Brown (15-Mar-2017)
Mr Alex Downham (26-Oct-2016)
"I actually found this Picpoul de pinet a little disappointing. And I am usually a fan. Too fruity for me, and now sampling the second bottle, I would not order this again. More like a Sauvignon. Sorry. Maybe other years were better."
Mr David McKechnie (19-Sep-2016)
"Dry, citrussy and steely. Not particularly long which makes it even moreish. Fabulous with garlic prawns but equally good on its own whilst preparing them.
Tempted not to submit review so I can have it all to myself."
Dr Philip Dodd (03-May-2016)
2015 VINTAGE - PRESS REVIEWS
Scotland on Sunday (1st Jan 2017)
"The assertive lemon
acidity here leaves you in no doubt that the word 'picpoul' translates to lip
stinger. This, however, is one of the best inexpensive versions I have tasted
recently, with textured red apple depth, suggestions of perfume and spice but
an attractive mineral base too. - Brian Elliott"
Chase Magazine (2nd Oct 2016)
"
Classy …
crisp, dry ...delicate fruit flavours. - David Clay
"
2014 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"I had always assumed that Picpoul de Pinet drank best when young: we had a bottle of the 2013 that had been overlooked, and not expecting much, opened it. The wine had utterly changed, gone was the prickle and tang, but it had developed the breadth and depth of a decent Chardonnay - and not at all tired, it promised a year or two of good drinking. What a surprise!"
Mr Matthew Hudson (14-Feb-2016)
"Had a bottle with friends this evening, there was a lot of "mmm, I like this". Orchard fruit nose, then fresh, crisp acidity. I'm ordering more now."
Mr Josh Judge-Talbot (22-Nov-2015)
"A fantastic wine - delicious balance of apple, minerality, crisp acidity, richness and long finish."
Mr Andrew Watson (06-Nov-2015)
"A little disappointing. Perhaps this vintage is not as good as before (or certainly my memory of previous bottles)."
Miss Deborah Boyd (01-Nov-2015)
"Rather uninteresting, and a bit bland - possibly getting too old now? Not improved with food. There are better dry white wines available at this price."
Mr John Purse (20-Sep-2015)
"I love this wine. Great value and seems totally reliable."
Mr Martin Arrowsmith (04-Aug-2015)
"What a relief, 2014 continues as good as last year. Full of character, both with food and without."
Mr Oliver Cottingham (14-Jun-2015)
"Really enjoyed this Picpoul, everything it should be plus a little bit more."
Mr Jonathan Rippon (15-May-2015)
2014 VINTAGE - PRESS REVIEWS
Belfast Sunday Life (15th Nov 2015)
"Dry but wonderfully
full-flavoured and rich- it would be fab with seafood or chicken in a creamy
sauce, and very keenly priced. - Paula Gracey"
Western Mail (10th Nov 2015)
"It's easy to see
picpoul's attraction and [this]is about as good as it gets… it's loaded with
aromas of apple, citrus fruits, flowers and a hint of ginger snap. The taste is
big and bone dry with more apple and honey, hints of citrus and peach and no
shortage of spice. - Andrew Campbell"
Kent & Sussex Courier (30th Oct 2015)
"This unoaked, breezy
and bone dry Picpoul from the fashionable Mediterranean appellation located
around the Etang de Thau, on the road to Beziers, is lemony and zippy with
complex notes of oyster shell, fennel, aniseed, honey suckle and pine needles.
WIth its salty-spicy edge, high intensity and acidity, this wine is an
altogether superior Picpoul and a wake-up call to the senses. What to match it
with? Like a decent Muscadet-sur-Lie it's the perfect choice for fish and chips
and grilled oily fish such as sardines or mackerel; it's also a dead cert with
seasonal asparagus and seafood (especially mussels, scallops and oysters). Best
enjoyed sooner rather than later, this is an outstanding vintage foir a fine
estate. I urge you to taste it.- James Viner"
Newcastle Journal (27th Oct 2015)
"By far the best
producer [of Picpoul], I think, is Domaines Félines Jourdan. I've been there to
see what they do and I'm deeply impressed. Their 2014 is their best yet. It has
an aroma of preserved lemons, fresh acidity and just a hint of salt, plus a lingering
creamy texture. There's something unmistakenly seasidey about it. It is, as you
might imagine, perfect with seafood. - Helen Savage"
Belfast Newsletter (10th Oct 2015)
"Ferociously crisp,
youthful, fresh and fragrant… Lightly sparkling with notes of fennel, green
pepper and lime on its citrussy palate, this zesty white has beautifully judged
acidity and was a marvellous accompaniment to warm chicken and coriander salad. - Raymond Gleugh"
Liverpool Echo (10th Oct 2015)
"I can just see myself
crunching some prawns out of their shells and dipping them into garlic mayo
with this dreamy creamy wine in a glass alongside. It is dry, almost minerally,
but has a richness in the mouth with notes of citrus and a gasp of stone fruits. - Jane Clare"
The Portsmouth News (10th Oct 2015)
"Dry with citrus
notes. Try this with dressed crab. - Alistair Gibson"
The Mail on Sunday (12th Apr 2015)
"Really excellent
Picpoul… fantastic for just £7.50 a bottle. - Olly Smith"
2013 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"Bone dry white of character; remarkably food friendly even with spiced dishes. Seriously good for the price."
Mr Oliver Cottingham (14-Mar-2015)
"This is fast becoming one of my favourite Society whites. Had several bottles now and love it's full, rich flavour. Brilliant with food esp. Fish"
David Saltiel Esq (23-Nov-2014)
"Great example of a lovely wine. This is so fresh you can almost taste the Oysters in the Bassin de Thau (a perfect partner btw). Full of flavour, with a softness that makes it a great alternative for an aperitif/seafood dry white, and one of my Summer essentials."
Mr Thomas Preston (16-Sep-2014)
"Lovely Picpoul de pinet. Melon and pears, grass and gooseberries, a little white pepper and all with a creamy aftertaste. Lovely with white fish and roasted mediterranean veg."
Mr David Bricknell (03-Aug-2014)
"This producer's other wines have been so good that I was looking forward to their trademark wine, and I am not disappointed. Full of character, fruity yet bone dry, this is a perfect summer aperitif or accompaniment for a bowl of mussels."
Dr Robin W D Mitchell (18-May-2014)
2013 VINTAGE - PRESS REVIEWS
Western Mail (17th Jan 2015)
"A crisp flinty
mineral attack with quite a spicy note to the exotic fruit through the mid
palate but never overblown and has a distinct honeyed note. It's also cracking
value as well. - Neil Cammies"
Top 100 Christmas Wines (8th Dec 2014)
"Has Picpoul entered
the mainstream? It surely can’t be far off, thanks to wines like this tasty
number from the Languedoc. Floral, pear and apple flavours, good weight and
enough acidity to keep it fresh and tangy on the palate. - Tim Atkin"
Belfast Sunday Life (16th Nov 2014)
"A dry white, but
full-bodied and rich, a great wine for seafoood but basically an excellent
all-rounder.- Paula Gracey"
manchesterconfidential.com (8th Oct 2014)
"A smart example of a
richer style… perfect with seafood. - Neil Sowerby"
Manchester Evening News (27th Sep 2014)
"Picpoul de Pinet is
now a specific sub-appellation of the Languedoc but has been made for many
years in the same style using the Picpoul grape. Perhaps never better than
this, however, which has a clean, pure style but is rounded with peachy
goodness. A sure-fire match for seafood. - Andy Cronshaw"
richardmccomb.com (22nd Sep 2014)
"A versatile wine, a
Picpoul for all seasons. There are hints of lemon, softness and a general
likeability. - Richard McComb"
Belfast Newsletter (20th Sep 2014)
"Beautifully crisp,
zesty and aromatic. [An] elegant, bone-dry French white, this refreshing
drop has floral aromatics, tangy grapefruit and lemon flavours, a steely
structure and a tingly, discreetly acidic finish. - Raymond Gleugh"
2011 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"Love it to bits, fresh, fruity, slightly minerally and just off dry. Great for drinking on its own or for enjoying with food. My wife not so much of a fan as she was put off by the slight oiliness."
Mr Simon Heape (30-Dec-2012)
"We had a house in Languedoc for more than 30 years and know the Pinet area well. One of the highlights was lunch at Les Jardins de la Mer in Bouzigues, sitting on the terrace overlooking L'Etang de Thau, enjoying their three tier plateaux de fruits de mer (Albatross) accompanied by Felines Jourdan Picpoul de Pinet. Sadly those days are over but we can still enjoy the fresh taste of Picpoul of which the 2011 can be recommended as a worthy example.
"
Mr Gerard Walton (18-Nov-2012)
"A bottle shared with good friends around the fire recently brought memories of warmer days and zones. We all enjoyed the fresh, just off-dry fragrance and, in particular, the subtler undertones making this a quite intriguing wine. Can't wait to try with sea-food!"
Miss Marion Rout (06-Nov-2012)
"Whilst agreeing wholeheartedly with the members' appreciative comments at present 'on line' I would like to mention that my wife and I have found not only that the Picpoul de Pinet from Domaine Félines-Jourdan is quite the best of several picpouls which we have drunk but that it is worth drinking it at a temperature a few degrees above what one might regards as 'normal' for a white from this region. A noticeable heightening of its fruity taste with no loss of its clean, fresh character.
David Rigby"
Mr David E Rigby (21-Oct-2012)
"In June we took our caravan down to the South of France and stayed at Montagnac, where the Cave sold locally produced Picpoul de Pinet. We tried it, expecting little. But we were immediately won over by its fresh and slightly sharp style. In a temperature of 38 degrees, it was delightfully refreshing. Unfortunately we only brought back 6 bottles. So we then ordered some from The Society. Same grape and freshness, but rather more alcoholic and "oily". (I apologise for not knowing the correct wine term.) We like it (but not quite as much as the Montagnac version) and will keep some Picpoul in stock for drinking with fish and seafood. It is a real find - something new and delicious!"
Rev Kenneth L Masters (18-Oct-2012)
"We first ordered Domaine Felines Jourdan's Picpoul de Pinet whilst living in the Baltic States in 2001 - perhaps not the obvious place to quaff such a wine. Living so far north it seemed like a good idea to have a taste of the Mediterranean during the extremely hot Baltic summer months and thanks to the Wine Society's efficient delivery service we were able to enjoy and share this very pleasant wine with chums in the international community in Riga. We have maintained our PdP link across the vintages and continue to enjoy what we consider to be a very good dry, but round and full-bodied wine with plenty of flavour that offers excellent value for money. We find it excellent on its own, especially looking out across long summer evening views, and with all ranges of seafood.
Andrew Tuggey"
(08-Oct-2012)
"I first encountered this wine on a Mediterranean cruise that never happened (long story - no need for details), and the 2008 vintage was well received by our village wine circle in 2009. The 2011 vintage was enjoyed greatly at a garden party this year and, judging by the amount consumed, must have been a good match for all the dishes on offer. Since then I can confirm how well the remaining one or two bottles have accompanied a wide variety of 'difficult' foods. Tomatoes, pickles and other vinegary or strongly-flavoured items are notoriously unfriendly to wine. I doubt that any wine is an ideal match. This one, however, works as well as could be hoped for. A real all-rounder."
Mr Keith M Diment (03-Oct-2012)
"Dry but round and luscious, delicious on its own or with a salty nibble, Picpoul (along with Languedoc's Voigner, Domaine du Bosc and Bourboulenc, Domaine de Simonet) always features in our orders."
Dr Martin Commander (30-Sep-2012)
"We drank it with a wild salmon dish, it was good. So was the salmon."
Mr Richard D Jones (27-Sep-2012)
2011 VINTAGE - PRESS REVIEWS
The Guardian (2nd Mar 2013)
"A crisp picpoul de pinet from the south of France is far more enjoyable than a bland pinot grigio. Domaine Félines-Jourdan is a particular favourite. - Fiona Beckett"
The Herald (23rd Feb 2013)
"Grown near Montpellier, picpoul is a uniquely French grape – with pic/pique meaning sharp and lively, and poul/poule soft and maternal. It's more the former than the latter with its mouth-watering, crunchy green fruit and slightly salty, mineral edge. Perfect with mussels. - Tom Bruce-Gardyne"
2010 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"P de P, a staple in my cellar and fridge. An undervalued French classic, this one I fancy has a tad more depth and interest than others."
Mr Matthew Hudson (09-Nov-2011)
"Excellent. Tasty, not harsh as some Picpoul can be, and perfect with mussels and pasta."
Mr David J G Hunt (28-Oct-2011)
2008 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"I only became acquainted with Picpoul de Pinet by chance having purchased a Society's selection of mixed whites and so enjoyed its clean fresh, yet fruity, flavours that it has become a favourite of both my wife and me both as an accompaniment to fish dishes but also as a very enjoyable drink without food. A good wine at a reasonable price up to the Society's usual high standard."
Mr Harry Barr (19-Nov-2009)
"Very pleasant. A smooth white with a touch of Burgundian sophistication. Ideal pre-dinner drink that has enough presence to support a strong starter."
Mr Roger W Buxton (12-Nov-2009)
"Like a Muscadet with attitude. More grown-up. An excellent, zesty, refreshingly dry wine to drink when, where and with what you please....Terrific stuff."
Mr Derek Matthews (11-Nov-2009)
"What more can I say? When the request came to submit a review, I was poised to order a fresh case. Any chance of emptying the winerack of Picpoul de Pinet is viewed with alarm!"
John V T Wheatley Esq (11-Nov-2009)
"I am a fan of languedoc wines and this is a fine example. It has good weight and plenty of flavour. It is very good value and I will be ordering more."
Mr John M Goodwin (11-Nov-2009)
"I have been drinking the Picpoul for several years and have always found it characterful, refreshing and excellent value. It is unusual but people who like Muscadet will, I think, like Picpoul - it often has something of the same liveliness and occasionally a similar hint of petillance (this varies from year to year). That said, it has a fuller, fruitier taste than Muscadet and lasts longer on the palate. It takes very well to chilling: in my opinion, it probably needs to be well chilled - but people who, for example, prefer sauvignon blanc only lightly chilled will probably prefer Picpoul this way.
"
Mr Chris Smith (11-Nov-2009)