2023 Pyramid Valley Field Of Fire Chardonnay, North Canterbury

This is tight and precise, revealing hints of flint, floral notes, wet stone, hay, green olive salinity and savouriness. Distinctly vertical in structure, and defined by blocky minerality, this is less giving than some. The tautness and salinity envelops the concentrated, late flavours of spice in a restrained, light-bodied package. Really long on the finish, though currently a bit chewy, this needs quite a bit of time to come out of its shell 22 Jan 2026
2028–2040

96 points Stephen Wong MW therealreview.com

Frosts meant that there was only a single barrel of the FoF Chardonnay in '23. It's a finely aromatic wine. Taut with lemon, pear and apple fruits cut with oatmeal, struck flint, clover blossom, chalk and grilled hazelnuts. Chalky vibes abound. There's a light phenolic twist of texture and a vivid sapidity and focused carry on the palate, with a citrus-peel expression right on the exit and a slow ache of umami. Chablis-esque, almost.

95 points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

High on the sun kissed slopes of Waikari in North Canterbury, Field Of Fire Chardonnay emerges from one of Pyramid Valley’s most evocatively named and spiritually charged vineyard sites. Founded by biodynamic pioneers Mike and Claudia Weersing, the estate quickly became a cult name for wines that channel landscape, energy and quiet intensity. Today under the guidance of Steve Smith MW and Brian Sheth, Pyramid Valley continues to refine its reputation for site driven Chardonnay that balances texture with luminous freshness. Ancient limestone soils, cooling winds and careful biodynamic farming combine to produce fruit of remarkable clarity and depth.

A pale gold glow with green flashes hints at both ripeness and vitality. Aromas rise in layered waves of white peach, Meyer lemon and nectarine, entwined with crushed oyster shell, chamomile and a gentle flicker of toasted hazelnut. There is an almost meditative calm to the bouquet, a sense of purity that reflects both the vineyard’s unique personality and the restrained winemaking approach.

On the palate the wine feels sculptural and flowing at once. Citrus oil, ripe stone fruit and subtle nougat richness are lifted by saline minerality and finely tuned acidity, creating a long, resonant finish that lingers with chalky finesse. This Chardonnay will evolve beautifully over eight to twelve years, gaining notes of brioche, preserved lemon and savoury complexity while retaining its graceful tension.

At the table it thrives with butter poached lobster, roast chicken with tarragon, seared scallops, or a wild mushroom and thyme tart. Field Of Fire Chardonnay brings both warmth and contemplation to the moment, a wine for golden late afternoon light, shared plates and unhurried conversation. For lovers of cult New Zealand Chardonnay and expressive North Canterbury terroir, this bottle offers depth, character and quietly thrilling sophistication.