Pyramid Valley Earth Smoke Pinot Noir 2020

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Pyramid Valley
Label Name:
 
Earth Smoke Pinot Noir
Vintage:
 
2020
Country:
 
New Zealand
Region:
 
North Canterbury (Waipara / Waikari)
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
13.5%
Grape(s):
 
Pinot Noir
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
3
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
14-16°C

Awards/Ratings
Vinous 96; Falstaff 96; James Suckling 95; Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 91

Tasting Note
Brooding black cherry and dark plum with wild strawberry, violets, forest-floor, pepper and mineral notes. Silky, fine-grained tannins, vibrant acidity, savory spice and a long, mineral-tinged finish.

Food Pairing
Western: roast duck, mushroom risotto, pork belly, lamb cutlets, grilled salmon, charcuterie and aged cheeses. Asian: duck bao, char siu, Korean bulgogi, miso-glazed eggplant, pork ramen (chashu), soy-glazed salmon.

Production Method
Biodynamically farmed; hand-harvested, fully destemmed, fermented with indigenous yeasts (21–27 days), aged ~18 months in French wooden cuves and barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Vineyard Info
Founded in 2000 by Mike & Claudia Weersing; biodynamic Waikari estate. Acquired 2017 by Steve Smith MW and Brian Sheth. Renowned for clay-limestone soils and terroir-driven Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.