2022 Pyramid Valley Angel Flower Pinot Noir

Driven to create one of the new world’s great cool-climate vineyards, it took Mike and Claudia Weersing 15 years and a quixotic global journey that included a lengthy stopover in Burgundy before they found their perfect site. Inspired by the climate and soils of that region, the duo finally found their special place in the limestone-rich soils of Waikari in North Canterbury. From here Mike and Claudia established Pyramid Valley and emerged as NZ pioneers of both biodynamic practices and high-density viticulture. For almost 20 years they inspired and/or challenged all those who came into their orbit. Their minute scale and exceptional dedication to their soils and vines led to some incredible wines being produced. First visiting the vineyard in 2007, Steve Smith MW (then of Craggy Range) was one of many affected by what he describes as one the most compelling and unique vineyards he has ever visited. When Mike’s health went into decline, the Weersings were forced to sell and Smith and his partner Brian Sheth acquired the estate in late 2017. The spectre of Burgundy is writ large over the foundation and ethos of Pyramid Valley, yet we should not expect imitations in terms of the style of the wines. Rather they have their own very distinctive style and energy, and this is precisely as it should be with terroir-driven wines; uniqueness is the point.

Angel Flower is a cooler, more exposed block than Earth Smoke. The shallow soils and north-facing aspect here result in a more floral and aromatic wine, although the weight and shape of the palate have much in common with Pyramid’s other single-site Pinot. The team have also recently planted a little Chardonnay on these soils, recognising its potential as a great white wine terroir.

Other reviews...
It feels open weave and pretty with rose hip tea, alpine herbal elements, faint game meat, undergrowth and toasty spice strewn around the place. It slips into every corner of the palate, an attractive, sour-sweet flow of tart cherry dressed up with those savoury elements all sheathed in a web of ultra fine, silty, lacy tannin. It finishes with black tea and truffle and a building, drying, refreshing pucker. Fine, elegant, vibrant and energetic. A triumph for the variety.
96 points
Mike Bennie - The Wine Front

From a 0.7ha limestone/clay, north-facing, biodynamically farmed slice of the Pyramid Valley estate in Waikari. A beautifully perfumed, ethereal wine that shows delicate redcurrant, red cherry and raspberry fruits with hints of crushed stone, red flowers, blood orange, clover blossom, sous bois and red apple pastries. There is a lot of light in this wine, all detail and shimmering clarity with a spacious mouthfeel, sapidity to burn and the most graceful of exits. Beautiful drinking.
96 points
Dave Brookes - Halliday's Wine Companion

Nose a little shy at first, then lots of perfumed red fruit emerges - tamarillo and plum, a dash of spice, a lift of blue flowers. The delicate, dancing palate has a surprising intensity of ripe, flowing red fruits, lovely fine, chalky tannins and bright, saline/minerally acidity. Very good length. This is smartly made, with no rough edges but isn’t overly polished. Drink: 2024 - 2032.
96 points
Emma Jenkins MW - Decanter