2016 Pyramid Valley Angel Flower Pinot Noir, North Canterbury

The 2016 Angel Flower Pinot Noir, like its Earth Smoke stablemate, is a delicate ruby hue in the glass, showing that color (at least in Pinot Noir) often has very little to do with flavor or intensity. On the nose, delicate herbal and floral nuances dance atop a base of freshly turned earth and ripe black cherries. In the mouth, it's medium to full-bodied, rich and concentrated yet silky and fresh, with a lingering, elegant finish that ends on an uplifting herbal note. It should drink well for a decade, perhaps longer. Drink 2019 - 2030.

94 points Joe Czerwinski robertparker.com

A wine with considerable, deep-set, spicy allure that has aromas of dried roses, blueberries, purple cherries and pot-pourri. The palate delivers a beautifully plush array of fine and seamless tannins, an exceptionally smooth mouthfeel and a long, alluring and convincing finish. Drink now.

96 points jamessuckling.com

On the rolling limestone and clay slopes of Waikari in North Canterbury, Angel Flower is one of Pyramid Valley’s most soulful vineyard sites, producing Pinot Noir of quiet intensity and remarkable finesse. The estate was founded by biodynamic pioneers Mike and Claudia Weersing, (this was their last vintage of Angle Flower), whose deep belief in farming with sensitivity to nature helped shape its cult reputation. Today the vision continues under the guidance of Steve Smith MW and Brian Sheth, who maintain a gentle, low intervention approach in both vineyard and cellar. Cool continental conditions and ancient soils give this wine its distinctive lift, purity and mineral tension.

A beautifully translucent ruby hue glows in the glass. Aromas unfold slowly with wild strawberry, red cherry and cranberry layered with rose petal, sandalwood and a delicate savoury note of forest floor and dried herbs. There is an almost Burgundian perfume here, fragrant and detailed, inviting you to lean in and discover its subtle layers.

The palate is silky and finely structured, flowing with bright red berry fruit, pomegranate and blood orange framed by whisper fine tannins and vibrant natural acidity. A chalky mineral thread carries through the long, graceful finish, giving the wine energy and persistence without heaviness. This Pinot Noir will reward patient cellaring over eight to twelve years as deeper notes of truffle, dried florals and autumnal complexity emerge.

A beautiful companion for elegant yet flavourful dishes, it shines with roast duck and cherry glaze, grilled quail, mushroom and thyme risotto or seared tuna with sesame. Pyramid Valley Angel Flower Pinot Noir captures the contemplative beauty of North Canterbury, perfect for candlelit dinners, quiet conversations and evenings where atmosphere and wine unfold together in effortless harmony.