2023 Pyramid Valley Lion's Tooth Chardonnay, North Canterbury

An expressive and round chardonnay with aromas of vanilla, roasted hazelnuts and fresh butter. Layered and generous without being heavy, it displays mouth-filling richness with immediate complexity. The palate is flavoursome, tangy and long, showing superb depth alongside very fresh acidity. Though long and concentrated, it remains light and saline, elegant and racy on its feet. There's beautiful precision and clarity throughout, finishing with lime cordial notes. Light-bodied yet intense and perfumed 22 Jan 2026 Drink 2026–2038

96 points Stephen Wong MW therealreview.com

When compared to the estate's Field of Fire chardonnay, the Lion's Tooth shows a deeper colour and increased aromatic concentration. Characters of peach, mandarin, peach and citrus fruits with notes of sourdough starter, spiced oatmeal, meadow flowers, just a wisp of flint, a murmur of hazelnut and crushed stone. Clarity gains momentum on the palate, the wine coiling and gaining tension while retaining an expansive depth that's whisked along by a brisk limestone mineral cadence. Chalky, textural grip on the finish with plenty of sustain.

96 points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

Set among the rolling limestone folds of Waikari in North Canterbury, Lion’s Tooth is one of Pyramid Valley’s most revered vineyard sites, producing Chardonnay that feels both grounded and quietly electric. The estate’s story began with biodynamic visionaries Mike and Claudia Weersing, whose commitment to farming with sensitivity and intention helped establish Pyramid Valley as a cult name in New Zealand wine. Today Steve Smith MW and Brian Sheth continue that legacy, guiding the vineyards and cellar with a focus on purity, precision and deep respect for site. Cool breezes, fractured limestone and clay soils give Lion’s Tooth its distinctive tension and mineral drive.

A shimmering pale gold with green highlights introduces a beautifully layered aromatic profile. White nectarine, lemon curd and grapefruit zest mingle with notes of crushed rock, almond meal, chamomile and a gentle hint of struck flint. There is both energy and serenity here, a bouquet that unfolds slowly and rewards patience.

The palate is poised and textural, balancing ripe citrus and stone fruit with savoury complexity and saline freshness. Fine natural acidity carries flavours of preserved lemon, pear skin and subtle hazelnut through a long chalk laced finish that speaks clearly of its limestone origins. This structure promises impressive evolution over ten to fifteen years, when deeper tones of brioche, toasted spice and honeyed nuance will add further intrigue.

A magnificent partner for food, Lion’s Tooth Chardonnay elevates dishes such as roast John Dory with beurre blanc, spanner crab linguine, chicken with morels or a delicate leek and gruyere tart. It suits occasions that call for elegance and quiet celebration, long lunches stretching into evening or candlelit gatherings where conversation flows easily. Among cult North Canterbury Chardonnay releases, Pyramid Valley Lion’s Tooth stands as a benchmark for collectors seeking finesse, longevity and authentic terroir expression.