Pyramid Valley Lions Tooth Chardonnay 2022
Biodynamic. This site takes its name from the vineyard?s abundance of dandelions (dent-de-lion??lion?s tooth??in French). The original 0.4 hectares of vines were planted in 2000 at a density of 11,111 vines per hectare, with a further 2.8 hectares planted between 2018 and 2020, though the majority of the fruit for this wine (89%) comes from the 2000 plantings. The biodynamically farmed Lion?s Tooth is a steeply inclined, east-facing site on soils described as having a ?nut and crumb structure and great mineral fertility?. It?s the classic limestone and clay of the area but with a higher balance of clay (30%) than Field of Fire.
The winemaking mirrors that of Field of Fire, yet the differences in the signature of place are apparent. The compelling 2022 Lion?s Tooth shows how a slight change in aspect and soil impacts the finished wine in these edgy, cool-climate vineyards. Combined with lengthy hang-time facilitated by the cool La Ni?a growing season, soil and site distinction pave the way for a powerfully built Lion?s Tooth of drive, tension and dense but nuanced flavour. The notes below capture the wine?s alluring charm, perfect pace and complexity. Importer's notes.
The fruit came off the vine on 28th April and soaked on skins for two 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.
?Soft and supple, flows beautifully, an intensity of fruit, the DNA of the wine bound by nutty savouriness, shortbread, ginger, crushed granitic mineral characters, and around that green apple, lime, preserved lemon, mixed floral elements. It feels relaxed in texture, a great deal of space and dimension to the wine, but freshness is inherent. A gentle sour-sweetness and hay-straw character in there too. Pleasure and intellect buttons pressed.? 94 points, Mike Bennie, The Wine Front
?Chardonnay, biodynamically farmed since planting in 2000, from an east-facing 0.4ha slice of the Pyramid Valley Waikari estate. Light straw with aromas of nectarine and grapefruit with hints of soft spice, oyster shell, lemon curd, white flowers, clover blossom, crushed flint, grilled cashews and Graham crackers. Taut, febrile and filigreed with a sapid, saline burst of acidity that perfectly balances the richness of the stone fruits as the wine trails away.? 95 points, Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion.
?The 2022 Chardonnay from the high-density Lion's Tooth parcel is an arresting wine that sucks you in but doesn?t spit you out. It?s not a wine you'll want to spit out either. This 2022 draws you in with its harmony, expansive nature, silken texture and sense of tranquility. It is subtle in its flavors - this is Chardonnay, after all ? with flinty characters giving way to toasted nuts and oatmeal, lemon curd and nectarine. This is not a fruity but savory, restrained style that focused on texture over aromatics. Meditation for the mouth.? 96 points, Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous.
