Pyramid Valley Manatu Chardonnay 2023

Pyramid Valley Mānatu Chardonnay is a taut, finely detailed Central Otago Chardonnay that balances creamy depth with an electric line of acidity. White nectarine, Meyer lemon and grilled hazelnut sit alongside delicate florals, savoury lees and a salty mineral finish. Named for the native ribbonwood tree, Mānatu comes from Pyramid Valley’s organically certified Lowburn vineyard, where dense plantings and gravelly soils produce Chardonnay with real concentration and restraint. Rich and layered without losing its edge, this is a wine that rewards attention - and is in no particular hurry to show everything at once.

What the winery says:

The fruit comes from the Swann Road blocks of Pyramid Valley’s Mānatu vineyard in Lowburn, planted on loess over deep silts and gravels and farmed organically with a regenerative approach. The grapes are hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed before wild fermentation in French oak, followed by extended maturation on lees and bottling without fining or filtration. Expect lemon blossom, mascarpone and grilled citrus leading into white nectarine, Meyer lemon and hazelnut, with rich texture drawn through a long, salty and energetic finish.

What the experts say:

Candice Chow, Candice Wine Chat, 96/100
“This Chardonnay is packed with good energy and presence, ripples with saline and zingy acidity.”

Cameron Douglas MS, 95/100 & Outstanding
“Taut and youthful with a positive reduction highlight - so plenty of time to cellar.”

Stephen Wong MW, The Real Review, 94/100 & Top Value
“Intense, coiled acidity whips across the palate with streaks of apple and cashew.”