Waikari, North Canterbury
Viticulture
Planted between 2000-2002 at 11,111 vines/ha and a second planting in 2018, farmed biodynamically from inception. This unique, south-east facing site has varied soils, graduating from top to bottom on the slope, through primarily shallow (10-15cm) glauconitic clays over well drained limestone.
Winemaking
Whole bunch pressed and transferred to barrel without settling. Wild ferment, in an aged French oak barrel. 12 months on lees in barrel, then aged on light lees for 5 months in barrel prior to bottling unfined and unfiltered in August 2024.
Tasting notes
Green lemon hue. Pure nose of meyer lemon, freshly cut limes, creme fraiche, grilled almonds, ocean spray and mineral complexity. A saline, linear palate with a powerful crackling acidity. Taught yet rich, concentrated flavours reminiscent of lemon and lime, crushed salt and samphire. Almost margarita-like. A wine with great purity, fine powdery structure and a long moreish, mineral finish.
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.
~ 93 POINTS ~
Just one barrel of the 2023 Chardonnay Field of Fire was made. Spring frosts wiped most of the crop out before the season had a chance to get going. While this is oaked, its fruit profile reminds me of the cool wines of Chablis. This is a firm, focused, fledgling of a Chardonnay. It has a lightly creamy mid palate, but what's most evident is the corset of powerful acidity that leaves a sensation that reminds me of wringing out a wet towel. The 2023 has real push and pull tension, with apple and pear fruit notes meeting integrated touches of brioche and hazelnut. Perhaps not the longest Field of Fire, but this is still in its cocoon, and when it turns into a butterfly, this may become more extended.
- Rebecca Gibb MW, Red Wine Report
