Tasting Notes
Biodynamic. This 0.4-hectare site, like the wine that results, takes its name from the vineyard’s abundance of dandelions (‘dent-de-lion’, or lion’s tooth in French). These flowers predominate apparently because of the higher clay content in this parcel. It is a steeply inclined, east-facing site on soils that Weersing described as having a “…nut and crumb structure and great mineral fertility”. It’s the classic limestone and clay of the area but here the higher balance of clay makes it the more vigorous of the two Chardonnay blocks. It is also more exposed and ripens earlier; in 2019, Lion’s Tooth was picked more than a week before Field of Fire.
The winemaking is the same as for the Field of Fire yet the differences in the signature of place are obvious. Here, the terroir offers breadth and layers, although the wine retains the cool energy of the climate and the limestone soils. This needs more air to open now, and with time the glass reveals loads of flinty, smoky complexity intertwined with roasted nuts and restrained, yet ripe stone fruits. In the mouth the wine is a marriage of controlled power and elegance—mouth-filling texture matched by clarity and vibrancy, and a chalky, saline persistence. Another Chardonnay of singular character and deliciousness. - Importer Note
Pyramid Valley founders, Mike and Claudia Weersing, were driven to create one of the new world’s great cool-climate vineyards, and it took 15 years and a quixotic global journey that included a lengthy stopover in Burgundy. Mimicking the aspect and soils of this region, the Weersings finally found their special place in the southern hemisphere, within a barren chain of limestone-rich scarps at Waikari in North Canterbury. Inspiring all who came into their orbit, over another 15 years Mike and Claudia emerged as New Zealand pioneers of both biodynamic practices and high-density viticulture. Their minute scale and exceptional dedication to their soils and vines led to some incredible wines being produced.
In 2017, Mike and Claudia were moved to make the tough decision to put their magnum opus on the market. Steve Smith MW (previously of Craggy Range) was one of the many affected by what he describes as one the most compelling and unique vineyards he has ever visited, and he and his partner Brian Sheth acquired the estate in late 2017. Pyramid Valley had no shortage of suitors, and that Mike and Claudia chose to accept Smith’s offer speaks volumes. Smith’s blueprint from the outset has been to honour the Weersing’s vision and to build on the authenticity and integrity of the vineyard’s origins.
Smith brought in Huw Kinch from Martinborough’s Escarpment as Estate Manager and Winemaker. Kinch was already a huge fan, believing that Pyramid Valley’s Chardonnays were among the most profound examples he had tasted. Nick Paulin then joined from Central Otago, where he had been introduced to biodynamic viticulture under Blair Walter at Felton Road (before stints at Peregrine and Lowburn Ferry).
Pyramid Valley now release two collections annually: the emblematic, 100% estate Botanical Collection will be released on allocation; and for more general release is their Appellation Collection, which has PV working with a roster of exceptional growers in North Canterbury and Central Otago. This collection is the Pyramid Valley’s negociant arm—a vital part of this project, with the aim to create a set of wines that share the same sense of somewhereness as the wines from the home vineyard.
What we’ve already tasted from barrel in New Zealand and here in bottle, has convinced us beyond any doubt that Pyramid Valley is in very good hands. Building on the vision and authenticity of founders, the new owners look like a dead cert to cement this exceptional estate’s reputation as one of the New World’s most exciting producers of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. - Importer Note
| Product Type | Wine White Chardonnay |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Canterbury |
| Winemaking Practices | Natural |
| Vineyard Practices | Organic/Biodynamic |