Pyramid Valley Angel Flower Pinot Noir North Canterbury – 2022

Pyramid Valley are probably New Zealand’s most exciting “newcomers” of the past few years, making some of the most impressive Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays outside Burgundy. Situated about 50kms north of Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island, their cool climate, high altitude vineyards are based on a mix of clay and limestone soils. The vineyards were planted in 2000 and have been cultivated biodynamically ever since. In 2017 the winery was sold to Steve Smith MW, one of New Zealand’s most accomplished winemakers and formerly the head winemaker at Craggy Range. At 20+ years of age, the vines are now beginning to show their true potential. These are fantastic, single site, terroir-expressive wines and seriously good value alternatives to Burgundy!

2022 was a cool growing season, with higher than average rainfall resulting in lush, healthy canopies. The weather became dry and stable in late March/April which allowed for picking of clean, ripe fruit.

Tasting note
Light garnet hue. With a beautifully expressive nose of rose petals and dried herbs, the complexity leaps out of the glass. Silky texture, with crushed red fruits and with a velvet mineral acidity. Fine tannins support this elegantly floral and savoury expression of Angel Flower in 2022. Great length, subtle flavours that linger long. An elegant wine that has understated power.

Viticulture
The vines were planted between 2000-2002 at 11,111 vines/ha and farmed biodynamically from inception. A beautiful, very steep, north-facing block. Coarse, shallow soils that enhance the aromatics; 15% clay, 5-10% active lime.

Winemaking
Carefully hand sorted, fully destemmed and fermented with wild yeasts using infusion methods for 21-27 days. Settled in tank before being transferred to French wooden barrels. Elevage of 18 months, then bottled unfined and unfiltered.

303 cases of 6 x 750ml bottles were produced.

“Light garnet. Aromas of raspberries and sour cherries meld with flowers and a hint of meatiness. Wonderfully supple, gauzy tannins wend their way around a flowing stream of raspberry, sour cherry and candied redcurrant, as fresh wildflowers and aromatic herbs waft on the breeze. Gorgeous texture, fantastic acidity and great length, with an aromatic sweetness that can’t help but make you smile. Incredibly sensual and alluring, and rather shockingly delicious.” 19/20pts jancisrobinson.com