Pyramid Valley Field of Fire Chardonnay 2022
Biodynamic. Field of Fire takes its name from the type of grass that grows among the vines in this gently sloped, southeast-facing, clay-limestone plot nestled in the northeast corner of the property, sheltered by a belt of trees and a range of hills behind it. The original 0.3 hectares were planted in 2000 at a density of 11,111 vines per hectare. Plantings were expanded by a further 1.2 hectares between 2018 and 2020, though only the original 2000 plantings and 0.3 hectares from 2018 go into this wine. Field of Fire has a cooler, rockier profile than Lion?s Tooth, and though soils vary throughout the plot, there is a prevalence of shallow (10-15cm) glauconitic clays over the well-drained limestone bedrock. In comparison, Field of Fire typically shows a tighter mineral core and athletic structure cloaked by layered, complex flavour.
The fruit was picked on 29th April, a day after Lion?s Tooth, and soaked on skins for four hours after crushing before being pressed to old French barrels for natural fermentation. Maturation occurred in barrel on light lees for 12 months, followed by five months in tank before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. We won?t add much to the reviews below?Bennie and Brookes have nailed it?only to assert that this is elite Chardonnay, worthy of consideration among the best the New and Old World have to offer. Scintillatingly pure with immaculate texture and length for days.
?Expansive, succulent white of depth and concentration with pretty lift and complexity from jasmine florals, warm straw, hazelnut and button mushroom savouriness amongst the mandarin, ginger, lime, green apple going on. The supple flow stretches luxuriously through the palate and finishes with a light, building chalky pucker. It?s such a chilled out white, but so much is going on. And gosh it drinks beautifully.? 96 points, Mike Bennie, The Wine Front.
?From a scant 0.3ha southeast-facing high-density planting of chardonnay on limestone/clay soils of the home estate. Wonderfully detailed white peach and citrus fruit with wisps of struck flint, soft spice, clotted cream, oyster shell, toasted hazelnuts, white flowers and crushed stone. Plenty of depth and flow on the palate but there's a real sense of sapidity and mouth-watering mineral drive, finishing chalky and uber pure.? 96 points, Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion
?If the Field of Fire were a person, it wouldn't suffer fools gladly. The 2022 Chardonnay is a concentrated, direct and firm wine that knows where it's going and does so with a firm grip on your mouth. Focused, full of drive, it has sinew and sapidity. It is richly fruited - reminiscent of apricots alongside juicy lemon as well as toasted pine nuts, oats and flint. However, its quality is not in its flavors but its texture and power. Where I'm from, we say, 'Shy brains got nowt' and this isn't shy.? 95 points, Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous.
