Pyramid Valley Central Otago Mānatu Chardonnay 2023

Pyramid Valley Central Otago Mānatu Chardonnay is a Chardonnay from the Swann Road blocks of the estate's Lowburn vineyard.

Chardonnay is the newer story at this Central Otago property, which Pyramid Valley bought in 2018 and had certified organic with BioGro by 2022. The Swann Road blocks carry a spread of clones, Mendoza, Monte, 95 and 548, planted tight at 1.6 by 1.2 metres on loess over deep silts and gravels. Fermentation was wild, in French oak with 28 per cent new, and the wine sat twelve months on lees with no sulphur added, which is where the smoky reduction and the breadth come from. The result is powerful without being heavy, and it tightens with a year or two in bottle instead of softening.

Struck flint and savoury aromas open it, then ripe stone fruit, crystalline acidity and a mineral ripple through a long finish. Serve at 12 degrees in a white-burgundy glass. Roast chicken, scallops, or a crab and fennel salad.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.