2022 Pyramid Valley Lions Tooth Chardonnay
Grape
Chardonnay
Its Origins
As described in Robert Parker's Wine Advocate by Lisa Perrotti-Brown: "You may think you know New Zealand wines but I can assure you that until you have tasted Pyramid Valley, you have no idea. When I first sampled the earliest releases from this left-of-center producer... there was a spark of “otherness” about the wines that was so unlike anything else in New Zealand." From their website: "Mike and Claudia Elze Weersing spent 15 years searching the world to find the perfect place to grow grapes. In 2000, they purchased the plot of land near Waikari, that we now call home. German-born and America-raised Claudia, was a committed biodynamicist and the guiding spirit on the land in the early years of Pyramid Valley. Mike studied oenology and viticulture in Burgundy and worked in vineyards and cellars across Europe, honing his precise vision and practice for spectacular winemaking. Together, Mike and Claudia created remarkable wines for close to 20 years that have been recognised the world over. Fast-forward to 2017, when good friends Steve Smith and Brian Sheth realised their long-held vision of creating a wine dream together. That dream was to craft impeccable wines and inspiring experiences they could share. Steve and Brian were honoured to take on the legacy of Pyramid Valley and craft their own family of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines."
What The Critics Say
96/100 Vinous, Rebecca Gibb MW
" The 2022 Chardonnay from the high-density Lion's Tooth parcel is an arresting wine that sucks you in but doesn’t spit you out. It’s not a wine you'll want to spit out either. This 2022 draws you in with its harmony, expansive nature, silken texture and sense of tranquility. It is subtle in its flavors - this is Chardonnay, after all – with flinty characters giving way to toasted nuts and oatmeal, lemon curd and nectarine. This is not a fruity but savory, restrained style that focused on texture over aromatics. Meditation for the mouth." Drink 2024 - 2034
94/100 The Wine Front, Mike Bennie
"Huw Kinch is writing the second chapter and best possible one for Pyramid Valley. There’s so much storied history of its Mike and Claudia era that it’s hard to judge where to go, so best to go with hand on heart, maintain the best practice farming, and go for the best hands off-mind connected wines you can make, seems the deal. Soft and supple, flows beautifully, an intensity of fruit, the DNA of the wine bound by nutty savouriness, shortbread, ginger, crushed granitic mineral characters, and around that green apple, lime, preserved lemon, mixed floral elements. It feels relaxed in texture, a great deal of space and dimension to the wine, but freshness is inherent. A gentle sour-sweetness and hay-straw character in there too. Pleasure and intellect buttons pressed." Drink 2024 - 2035
17/20 Jancis Robinson MW
"Serious line to this wine with beautiful balance. Firm and fruity at the same time. Real presence in the mouth. Botanicals collection. Waikari vineyard. Cask sample. (JR)." Drink 2024 - 2030
| Variety | Chardonnay |
|---|---|
| Region | Canterbury / Waipara |
| Closure | Cap |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Alcohol | 13.00% |
| Maturity | 2024 - 2035 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
We deliver throughout New Zealand and to some locations overseas. Our deliveries are made by trusted third party carriers. For further details on prices and delivery options please go to DELIVERY INFORMATION section of our site.
If for any reason you are not entirely happy with your order or you suspect that they may be affected by a quality issue, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will remedy the problem straight away. Contact us on 0800 422 767.
