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:
Warm spring conditions resulted in steady growth with flowering early December. The new year brought both rain and snow leaving a dusting on the ranges, but thankfully warm, dry weather followed through to harvest resulting in perfectly ripe fruit. Veraison took place at the beginning of February and harvest commenced in April.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
From the Snake’s Tongue parcel planted in 2007 at Pyramid Valley Mānatu Estate in Lowburn, Central Otago. Abel clone meticulously farmed to BioGro certified organic standards, producing stellar fruit. Soils are predominantly loess over deep silts that have developed pedogenic lime deposits. Harvest date: 12 April 2022

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
33% whole bunch with the remainder gently de-stemmed to maintain a high percentage of whole berries. Fermented using wild yeasts in an open top concrete Tulipe fermenter for 21 days. Aged in French barrels for 12 months, 30% new oak, then blended and aged for a further 6 months in oak prior to being bottled unfined and unfiltered.

OUR TASTING NOTES:
Bright ruby hue. The nose is complex and alluring, with dark fruits, cherries, and cloves, evoking forest floor and wild thyme. On the palate, the wine has subdued power, with flavours of red fruits and game meats. The mouthfeel is plush and silky, with a juicy and evocative structure that expresses the uniqueness of this remarkable vineyard.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Pinot Noir 100%.