2023 Pyramid Valley Angel Flower Pinot Noir, North Canterbury

I like this very much. There's a fine aromatic profile, with clarity and lift spare, but there's a depth and resonance to the fruit that is instantly appealing. Fine red berry and cherry fruits with a skein of exotic spice, wildflowers, rhubarb, pomegranate, mountain herbs and crushed stone. Plenty of calcareous energy on the palate, with a great cadence and tension between fruit and acidity. The flow of fruit is pure and elegant, with superfine, chalky tannins, the finish linear and focused with a long draw of flavour and sleek, ripe fruit.

96 points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

On the rolling limestone hills of Waikari in North Canterbury, Angel Flower feels like a vineyard touched by quiet magic. Pyramid Valley was founded by visionaries Mike and Claudia Weersing, who championed biodynamic farming and a deep spiritual connection to site long before it was fashionable. Today the estate is guided by Steve Smith MW and Brian Sheth, continuing the pursuit of wines that express purity, texture and a profound sense of place. The cool continental climate combined with ancient clay and fractured limestone soils shapes fruit of clarity and finesse, giving this Pinot Noir its refined personality and quietly compelling presence.

A luminous translucent ruby shimmers in the glass. Aromatics unfold with wild strawberry, red cherry and rose petal drifting into layers of sandalwood, gentle spice and the savoury perfume of damp earth and woodland. There is an understated confidence here, a perfume that invites contemplation rather than demanding attention, echoing the finest cool climate Pinot Noir traditions.

Silken and poised, the palate flows with fine detail and energy. Bright cranberry and pomegranate notes are threaded with mineral tension and whisper fine tannins, finishing long and graceful with vibrant natural acidity. This structure suggests a rewarding evolution over eight to twelve years, when tertiary tones of truffle, dried leaves and exotic spice will deepen the wine’s already haunting complexity.

A wine for atmosphere and connection, it shines alongside roast duck with cherry glaze, herb crusted lamb rack, mushroom and chestnut tart or seared tuna with sesame. Perfect for slow evenings, flickering candlelight and thoughtful conversation, Pyramid Valley Angel Flower Pinot Noir captures the soulful beauty of North Canterbury in every glass.