Pyramid Valley North Canterbury Sauvignon Plus 2023

Pyramid Valley North Canterbury Sauvignon Plus takes Sauvignon Blanc well beyond the usual tropical-fruit routine. Meadow flowers, lemongrass, grapefruit and dried herbs meet a broad, mouth-filling texture, with saline acidity bringing tension and a properly moreish finish. Fruit comes from two North Canterbury vineyards planted on contrasting Glasnevin gravel and Omihi clay soils, while thoughtful skin contact, wild fermentation and lees ageing add depth without losing the grape’s natural energy. Distinctive, savoury and quietly unconventional, this is Sauvignon for anyone who likes a little more going on beneath the surface.

What the winery says:

The fruit is drawn from the organically certified Good Family Vineyard on Georges Road and the Fraher Vineyard in Omihi. After settling, the juice is wild fermented across concrete tulipes and seasoned barrels, with a small portion fermented on skins. Malolactic fermentation and time on lees help soften the natural acidity and build texture, while preserving the wine’s freshness. Expect meadow flowers, lemongrass and dried herbs across a full, textured palate with bright, salivating length.

What the experts say:

Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, 94/100 & 5 Stars
“Elegantly complex and engaging, the wine shows grapefruit, lemon peel, dried grass and oatmeal notes on the nose.”

Erin Larkin, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, 92/100
“The wine is imbued with prodigious acidity and loads of personality and concentration.”