Pyramid Valley Earth Smoke Pinot Noir 2020

Pyramid Valley Earth Smoke Pinot Noir is a biodynamic single-block Pinot from the estate vineyard in North Canterbury.

The 2020 fruit was hand-sorted, fully destemmed and left to ferment on its own yeasts, spending three to four weeks on skins before pressing, settling in tank and moving by gravity into French barrels for eighteen months. That care matters because the block is the richer of the estate's two Pinot sites, an east-facing sweep of strong clay over limestone, planted at high density and named for the fumitory that colonises the rows. Waikari gives bright sunlight, high UV and only moderate heat, so the vines ripen fruit without stress; the delicate aromatics and fine phenolics that follow are the whole reason for farming a marginal place.

Brooding black cherry and dark plum, orange peel, Christmas spice and a hint of warm damp forest. The palate is ripe and comforting, pulled straight by acidity. Sixteen degrees, decanted. Venison, duck, or slow-braised beef with juniper.

*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.