2022, Snakes Tongue, Pinot Noir, Pyramid Valley

A complex and alluring Pinot Noir with dark fruits and a plush, silky texture.

About the Winery: The wines of Pyramid Valley are born in the dramatic limestone and clay derived soils and slopes of the estate farm in Waikari, North Canterbury. A unique high-altitude site that is home to some of the most profound Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines in the world. Mike and Claudia Elze Weersing spent 15 years searching the world to find this perfect place, which they finally purchased in 2000. 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 Brian Sheth and Steve Smith realised their long-held vision of realising a wine dream together - to craft impeccable wines and inspiring experiences they could share - by purchasing Pyramid Valley. In 2018, Estate Manager and Winemaker Huw Kinch took on the role of guiding the new chapter at Pyramid Valley. The wines are produced from the original vineyards in North Canterbury as well as in Central Otago from the Pyramid Valley M?natu vineyard, named after the ribbonwood (m?natu) tree. The launch of the 2022 Botanicals collection represents the pinnacle of their achievements at Pyramid Valley. Each wine is named after the common colloquial name of the meadow plant dominant in its respective vineyard block and since their release in 2006 have created a new dimension for fine New Zealand wine, illustrating the incredible impact of this remarkable vineyard on the sense of wine. They are wines that truly breathe of their place.

Region: North Canterbury (Waikari), with additional fruit from Central Otago’s M?natu vineyard.

Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir – elegant and age-worthy with red cherry and forest floor.

Appearance: Bright ruby hue.

Aroma: Complex and alluring, with dark fruits, cherries, and cloves, evoking forest floor and wild thyme.

Palate: The wine has subdued power, with flavours of red fruits and game meats. The mouthfeel is plush and silky, with a juicy and evocative structure that expresses the uniqueness of this remarkable vineyard.

Tannins: Fine and velvety, gently framing the fruit.

Finish: Long, savoury and mineral-tinged, with lingering red cherry and spice.

Body: Full - The mouthfeel is plush and silky, with a juicy and evocative structure.

Acidity: Medium - The wine has a juicy and evocative structure.

Cellaring Potential: Medium (5–10 yrs) - This wine has a juicy and evocative structure that suggests it will age gracefully.

Perfect Pairing: Red Meat, Poultry, Cheese; especially duck confit, lamb loin, roast chicken, mushroom risotto, and aged Gruyère.

Serving Temperature: 15–16°C for reds

Decanting: 30 minutes recommended to open aromatics.

The information on this wine is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. This information may be subject to change.