Pyramid Valley Earth Smoke Pinot Noir 2016

Here is the first release from Pyramid Valley’s Museum program. Mike and Claudia Weersing established this iconic vineyard in 2000 from the drive to create one of the new world’s great cool-climate vineyards . It would be an understatement to say that the Weersings chose their site well. Nestled in the rocky escarpments of Waikari, North Canterbury, the limestone-rich slopes and extremely marginal climate—more continental than the average New Zealand wine growing region—result in slow-ripening fruit and mineral-rich wines. The tiny yields guarantee an intense expression of place. From here, the duo emerged as NZ pioneers of both biodynamic practice and high-density viticulture.
 
2016 was the last vintage made by Mike and Claudia Weersing before they were compelled to sell the property (to Steve Smith MW and his partner Brian Sheth) in late 2017. The new owners’ blueprint has been to honour the founders’ vision and build on the authenticity and integrity of the estate. It is only fitting that the first release from the newly established museum program hails from a rock-solid Weersing vintage.

Pyramid Valley’s Pinot Noir vineyards are densely planted on clay/limestone slopes. Earth Smoke sits on the richer soils of the two: an expansive, east-facing slope with strong, beautifully structured soils that are comparatively high in limestone. The name here comes from the nickname given to fumitory, a plant of the poppy family that can be found thriving in this 0.85-hectare plot. Although both wines share a familial DNA, the later-picked Earth Smoke is typically the more structured and darker of the two wines, with more fruit weight to go with its tender, fine tannins. 
 
Bottled unfiltered, there is slightly more fruit weight here (than Angel Flower) with enveloping savoury/umami and spice scents, underpinned by a darker-fruited spectrum. Again, there is driving freshness which, in tandem with a delicate weave of tannin, cradles a palate of finesse and fine detail with seamless poise. The finish is shot with earthy complexity and there’s a lovely lift on the minerally, long close. Like the Angel Flower, it’s approaching its peak now and will keep for three to five years. 
 
This has a very enticing and complex nose with lightly smoky red and purple cherries, freshly ground baking spices and sappy, woody, bracken-like nuances. The palate has a beautifully supple texture with juicy red and black-cherry flavors running long and fresh. Drink or hold. -  Jamessuckling.com, 95 points

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Pinot Noir
Country - New Zealand
Region - Canterbury
Vintage - 2016
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.5%