Pyramid Valley North Canterbury Chardonnay 2023

Category:
 
White Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
White Wines
Producer:
 
Pyramid Valley
Label Name:
 
North Canterbury Chardonnay
Vintage:
 
2023
Country:
 
New Zealand
Region:
 
North Canterbury (Waipara / Waikari)
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
14%
Grape(s):
 
Chardonnay (100%)
Acidity:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
12-14°C

Awards/Ratings
Sam Kim (Wine Orbit) 96/100 (Apr 2025); Cameron Douglas MS 95/100 (Mar 2025); Candice Wine Chat ~95/100; multiple 94–96 point reviews from NZ critics and merchants

Tasting Note
Golden lemon hue with complex aromas of lemongrass, brioche, citrus and hazelnut. Full, rich and almost chewy with concentrated stone fruit, saline minerality and bright acidity leading to a long, focused finish.

Food Pairing
Western: roast chicken, mushroom or parmesan risotto, buttered crab, scallops in brown butter. Asian: miso‑glazed cod, tempura prawns, creamy udon, sashimi or sushi with richer fish.

Production Method
Hand‑picked, whole‑bunch pressed; wild (native) yeast fermentation in French oak (28% new); ~12 months on lees without sulphur, further lees ageing, bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Vineyard Info
Pyramid Valley is a biodynamically farmed estate in Waikari, North Canterbury, focused on minimal‑intervention, site‑driven wines from old Mendoza Chardonnay planted on Omihi/clay‑over‑limestone soils.