Waikari, North Canterbury
Viticulture
Planted between 2000-2002 at 11,111 vines/ha and farmed biodynamically from inception. An expansive, east-facing slope. Strong, beautifully structured soils; 30% clay, 15% active lime.
Winemaking
Carefully hand sorted, fully destemmed and fermented with yeasts from the vineyard, gently fermented using infusion methods for 25 days. Settled in tank before being transferred to French wooden barrels. Elevage of 18 months, then bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting notes
Vibrant garnet with exceptional clarity. The nose has brooding aromas of savoury dark fruits, spicy complexity and florals. The palate is dense and compact, with a core of umami raspberries and a savoury, resinous complexity surrounded by soft, fine tannins and a saline, palate-activating structure. A pure, vibrant, and expansive expression of Earth Smoke.
Closure
Cork (Diam Origine 10) and wax seal
The 2023 vintage also brings a change to closure, with all the Botanical Collection wines now sealed with a cork closure, Diam Origine 10. This cork guarantees freedom from cork taint, is bound together by natural beeswax compounds, and has consistent elasticity which guarantees a proper seal with each bottle. The bottle is also finished with a wax cap. This will be our closure for all following vintages, providing customers with real confidence in cellaring and honours the natural luxury idea that sits behind the Pyramid Valley brand.
⁓ 97 POINTS ⁓
In other circumstances this wine would command every inch on this page to sing its praises. It’s among the best pinots I’ve tasted all year. A harvest diminished by frost has delivered great complexity, if not quantity. Sour cherries, wild berries and dried porcini, tightening through a fine, granular finish dusted with exotic spice.
- Nick Ryan, The Australian Weekend Magazine
Tasting Note
