Limestone soils and cool maritime breezes craft something special in North Canterbury and Pyramid Valley knows how to let it shine. This 2022 Chardonnay is a masterclass in restraint: wild-fermented, lees-aged, and handled with the kind of care that lets the vineyard do the talking. Expect white stone fruit and lemon zest dancing with wild herbs, underpinned by a chalky minerality that keeps things honest. The palate is bright and layered, with a saline finish that lingers like a salty sea breeze. Organic and biodynamic from vine to glass, pure North Canterbury character in a bottle.

The 2022 North Canterbury Chardonnay is expressive and exotic on the nose—there are dried herbs and exotic spice, layers of dehydrated orange peel, graphite, white pepper, hints of yellow peach, flakes of sea salt and shaved fennel. In the mouth, the wine is rich and sapid; it penetrates deep into the palate and stains it with flavor. It holds a tight line of restraint and is a pleasure to behold. It’s satisfying and detailed. The wine went through 100% malolactic fermentation. “We're basically waiting for the acidity to drop before we pick it, so we get total acidities of 10 and get to do full malo,” says winemaker Huw. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Comparing this to the 2021, this is saline and crystalline, with crushed shells and saline acidity. A svelte wine. 94Pts, Drink 2023-2034 - Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate