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.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
A blend of four vineyards in North Canterbury. The sites include the most northern vineyard on the Omihi Saddle planted on Omihi clay soils; ‘Top Block’ which is part of the “Golden Mile” on Blacks Ave in Waipara also planted on Omihi clay soils; Three Sisters Vineyard on Mackenzies Rd in Waipara, planted on Rangitata gravels; and The Porters families vineyard on Mackenzies Rd in Waipara, planted in 2004 on Domett Clay soils.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
Hand-picked and fermented with natural vineyard yeasts in open top fermenters with 25% whole bunch. Aged in French barrels, 20% new for 12 months before settling in stainless steel on light lees for a further 6 months. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.

OUR TASTING NOTES:
Deep crimson hue. Deep brooding nose of plum and blue fruits with lifted floral spicy notes. Full bodied Pinot Noir with ripe rich fruits, mouth filling texture and round plush tannins giving the wine weight and power that lingers on the palate with a savoury,moreish finish.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Pinot Noir 100%.