Pyramid Valley Springs Chardonnay 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.

This chardonnay has a golden lemon hue. Intense, complex aromas of grilled cashews, flint, river stones and the smells of a citrus orchard on a summer day. Concentrated and intense, but light and flowing on the palate. Stone fruits and citrus flavours are supported by a saline mineral structure; long and salivating!

“Planted in 1983, this is from one of the oldest Chardonnay vineyards in New Zealand. On the nose, this 2022 Springs Chardonnay leads with cheesecloth and brine, tatami mat, torched lemongrass, yuzu curd, blond tobacco, and white pepper. It’s a superb-looking wine, complex and undulating but tethered to an acidic track in the mouth, so the impression is one of rich composure and focus. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap” 95/100pts Wine Advocate

Viticulture
Hand-picked, dry grown old vine Mendoza Chardonnay from the Springs Vineyard on Omihi clay soils, planted between 1982-1986. 

Winemaking
Hand picked, foot stomped and whole bunch pressed. Transferred to oak without settling, uninoculated ferment and malolactic fermentation. Aged for 12 months on full lees without SO2, then racked and blended and aged in a concrete Tulipe on fine lees for another 6 months over a second winter. Bottled unfined and unfiltered in September 2023.

Chemical Analysis
Alcohol: 14%
TA: 6.0g/L
pH: 3.34
Total SO2: 65ppm
Suitable for Vegetarian/Vegan: yes