Description

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:
The wines of Pyramid Valley are born in the dramatic limestone and clay derived soils and slopes of the estate farm in Waikari, North Canterbury. A unique high-altitude site that is home to some of the most profound Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines in the world. Mike and Claudia Elze Weersing spent 15 years searching the world to find this perfect place, which they finally purchased in 2000. Together, Mike and Claudia created remarkable wines for close to 20 years that have been recognised the world over. Fast-forward to 2017, when good friends Brian Sheth and Steve Smith realised their long-held vision of realising a wine dream together – to craft impeccable wines and inspiring experiences they could share – by purchasing Pyramid Valley. In 2018, Estate Manager and Winemaker Huw Kinch took on the role of guiding the new chapter at Pyramid Valley. The wines are produced from the original vineyards in North Canterbury as well as in Central Otago from the Pyramid Valley Mānatu vineyard, named after the ribbonwood (mānatu) tree. The launch of the 2022 Botanicals collection represents the pinnacle of their achievements at Pyramid Valley. Each wine is named after the common colloquial name of the meadow plant dominant in its respective vineyard block and since their release in 2006 have created a new dimension for fine New Zealand wine, illustrating the incredible impact of this remarkable vineyard on the sense of wine. They are wines that truly breathe of their place.

THE VINTAGE:
Under the influence of La Nina, the vines had good growth and good flowering conditions which resulted in solid yields. 200mm in February had us on edge, but diligent viticulture and a dry March and April allowed us to hang the fruit out till the end of April and achieve optimum ripeness. The resulting wines are an elegant expression of our Waikari farm.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
Planted from 2000-2002 at 11,111 vines/ha and a second planting in 2018, farmed biodynamically from inception. Steeply inclined, east facing home block. Beautiful soils, with nut and crumb structure and great mineral fertility: 30% clay and 15% active lime. Harvest date: 28 April 2022.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
Crushed and soaked for 2 hours prior to pressing. Wild ferment in aged French oak barrels. 12 months on lees in barrel, then aged on light lees for 5 months in stainless steel prior to bottling unfined and unfiltered in September 2023.

OUR TASTING NOTES:
Pale lemon straw hue. Mineral complex nose of mandarin, cashew nuts, and crushed limestone. Great depth with taut, focused flavours enveloping the palate. Lemon curd, mandarin peel, nutty flavours unfold. Great length and drive with saline acidity.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Chardonnay 100%.