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
Founded in 2000 in North Canterbury by Claudia and Mike Weersing, Pyramid Valley quickly became a benchmark for New Zealand’s artisanal and biodynamic wine movement. The estate is defined by its limestone-rich slopes, organically and biodynamically farmed to express the individuality of each vineyard block. In 2017, ownership passed to Steve Smith MW and Brian Sheth, who have preserved the original philosophy while expanding the range into other cool-climate regions including Marlborough and Central Otago.
Pyramid Valley’s approach is rooted in minimal intervention: hand harvesting, natural fermentations, low sulphur, and a focus on texture and purity. Alongside their home vineyards in North Canterbury—renowned for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay—they produce regional wines under the Botanical Collection and Pastures ranges, including skin-contact whites, rosés and varietal expressions that highlight New Zealand’s diversity.
The wines are recognised for their clarity, vibrancy and sense of place, uniting fine detail with natural energy. Pyramid Valley stands today as one of New Zealand’s most distinctive producers, embodying both innovation and deep respect for the land.
| Product Type | Wine White Chardonnay |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Canterbury |
| Winemaking Practices | Natural |
| Vineyard Practices | Organic/Biodynamic |