2022 Pyramid Valley Field of Fire Chardonnay

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.
Named after the type of grass growing in the vineyard, this densely planted Chardonnay site sits on a southeast-facing, clay-limestone slope, which has been farmed biodynamically from the beginning. Although recently expanded by one hectare, the original plantings cover only a quarter of a hectare. Like its three sibling vineyards, it’s a vineyard farmed to Grand Cru Burgundy standards or higher. Fire is a cooler, rockier site than the Lions Tooth vineyard, and the wine typically shows a tighter, mineral core cloaked by layered, complex and fleshy fruit.

Other reviews...
If the Field of Fire were a person, it wouldn't suffer fools gladly. The 2022 Chardonnay is a concentrated, direct and firm wine that knows where it's going and does so with a firm grip on your mouth. Focused, full of drive, it has sinew and sapidity. It is richly fruited - reminiscent of apricots alongside juicy lemon as well as toasted pine nuts, oats and flint. However, its quality is not in its flavors but its texture and power. Where I'm from, we say, 'Shy brains got nowt' and this isn't shy. Drink: 2025 - 2035.
95 points
Rebecca Gibb MW - Vinous

Expansive, succulent white of depth and concentration with pretty lift and complexity from jasmine florals, warm straw, hazelnut and button mushroom savouriness amongst the mandarin, ginger, lime, green apple going on. The supple flow stretches luxuriously through the palate and finishes with a light, building chalky pucker. It’s such a chilled out white, but so much is going on. And gosh it drinks beautifully.
96 points
Mike Bennie - The Wine Front

From a scant 0.3ha southeast-facing high-density planting of chardonnay on limestone/clay soils of the home estate. Wonderfully detailed white peach and citrus fruit with wisps of struck flint, soft spice, clotted cream, oyster shell, toasted hazelnuts, white flowers and crushed stone. Plenty of depth and flow on the palate but there's a real sense of sapidity and mouth-watering mineral drive, finishing chalky and uber pure.
96 points
Dave Brookes - Halliday's Wine Companion

Light-mid yellow colour; complex bouquet with smoky struck-flint overlying beeswax, buttery croissant and stone fruits. The wine is refined and subtle, intense and light on its feet and yet has a core of richness enlivened by refreshing acidity that helps draw the finish out to great length. An outstanding, high-energy chardonnay of great finesse.
97 points
Huon Hooke - The Real Review