Pyramid Valley Earth Smoke Pinot Noir 2022

Accolades:
96/100 – Decanter
96/100 – Halliday Wine Companion
95/100 – James Suckling
95/100 – Rebecca Gibb MW
94/100 – Huon Hooke, The Real Review
92/100 – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“Medium depth of red with a tint of purple and aromas of smoked charcuterie, savoury dried herb and sappy cherry aromas—darker fruit aromas than the Angel Flower, and with a touch of smoky reduction. The wine has richness and depth of flavour, finished with abundant savoury, dusty/earthy tannins. Elegant and complex pinot noir.” – Huon Hooke

“This has a powerful nose, a little reductive and smoky, with exotic spices and dark fruits – black cherry, five spice, dark cocoa, earth and bay leaf, orange peel – and red fruited highlights. A supple, sweet-fruited core, plush and velvety, along with quite foursquare, structured tannins. Very long and layered, this has plenty of harmony and confidence.” – Decanter

“Having made no Earth Smoke in 2021 due to spring frosts and cool flowering ravaging the yield, it’s a welcome return in 2022. Translucent, pure and delicately textured, this Pinot Noir shows a fine hand and the confidence to be hands off. The wine is calm; in the mouth, it gives the impression that a hush has descended. It is attractively scented – full of dried herbs, cherry, festive spice, violets and a hint of smoke. There’s plentiful concentration without weight. The tannins are pliant, providing the finest coating for your palate. Perhaps not as long as it could be, but I’m really nitpicking here.” – Rebecca Gibb MW

“A fascinating combination of smoke, matchstick, caramel and dried strawberries on the nose and palate. Medium-bodied with fine tannins that stretch the length of the wine. Juicy and savory. Delicious and tense. Drink after 2027 but already so beautiful.” – James Suckling

“The 2022 Earth Smoke Pinot Noir is gently reductive and a little gamey on the nose, with roasted beets, tarragon, dried mint and star anise/fennel. In the mouth, the wine makes quiet and impact, and it lands with cherry and goji berry, allspice and crushed rocks/cold tea. It’s attractive, shapely and very fine.” – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

Tasting Note: Vibrant garnet with exceptional clarity. Brooding dark fruits, spice, and floral aromas define the nose. The palate is dense and compact, centered on umami-rich raspberries and a savory, resinous complexity. Surrounded by soft, fine tannins, the wine unfolds with a saline, palate-activating structure. A pure, vibrant, and expansive expression of Earth Smoke.

Winemaking Notes: Carefully hand sorted, fully destemmed and fermented with yeasts from the vineyard, gently fermented using infusion methods for 21-27 days. Settled in tank before being transferred to French wooden barrels. Elevage of 18 months, then bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Alcohol: 13.0%

Variety: Pinot Noir

Region: Waikari, North Canterbury, New Zealand