2024 Pyramid Valley Chardonnay, North Canterbury

Power meets elegance in the 2024 Chardonnay North Canterbury, which hits all the right notes. Unadulterated winemaking doesn’t take away from its purity. The palate is focused and firm while maintaining finesse. A line of ripe, tangy acidity cuts through with bright resonance and direction. An intense concentration of intriguing aromas includes chamomile, lemon and herbs. At this stage, the 2024 is young and raw but serious, showing excellent potential for the future.

94 points Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous 

Balanced, focused and well-structured, offering sliced apples, dried pears, wild herbs, curry and some flowers. Medium-bodied, citrusy and succulent, with vivid acidity and a salty element on the midpalate. Plenty of texture and tension in the long, flinty finish.

94 points Kevin Davy, James Suckling

North Canterbury has become one of New Zealand's most exciting regions for Chardonnay, and Pyramid Valley is among its most distinctive producers. Founded in 2000 by Mike and Claudia Weersing, the estate built its reputation on biodynamic farming and an extraordinary respect for terroir. Today, under the ownership of Steve Smith MW and Brian Sheth, winemaker Huw Kinch continues that philosophy. Limestone rich soils, cool nights and a long growing season give the wines their characteristic freshness and mineral tension.

Pale golden straw with delicate green reflections. White nectarine, ripe lemon and crisp pear mingle with citrus blossom, toasted almond and a subtle flinty note. The 2024 vintage is beautifully textured, with vibrant acidity, gentle oak influence and a lingering saline finish. Elegant and quietly complex, with a lovely balance between orchard fruit and savoury character.

Delicious with grilled King George whiting and preserved lemon, crispy prawn and ginger dumplings, or roasted cauliflower with tahini and toasted hazelnuts.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2033. Its freshness and structure should reward further development.