Pyramid Valley Manatu Pinot Noir 2023

Pyramid Valley Mānatu Pinot Noir brings a polished, energetic take on Central Otago Pinot Noir, combining wild berry and ripe summer fruit with savoury spice and a fresh, finely structured palate. There is plenty of juicy fruit here, but the silky texture and chalky tannins keep everything composed rather than overly rich. The Mānatu vineyard sits in Lowburn, where elevated north-facing terraces and lime-influenced soils help give the wine its distinctive shape and persistence. A smart choice for Pinot drinkers who like Central Otago fruit with a little more restraint and savoury detail. Excellent alongside roast duck, lamb or mushroom dishes.

What the winery says:

Named after the native ribbonwood tree, the Mānatu vineyard lies in a sheltered Central Otago valley on elevated terraces that slope gently north. The soils combine loess with deep gravel and pedogenic lime deposits. Individual Pinot Noir parcels were hand-harvested, fermented with wild yeasts and matured in French oak for 12 to 18 months before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. Pyramid Valley describes a bright garnet wine with wild berries, summer fruits and savoury spice, followed by a silky palate, fine chalky tannins, persistent flavour and refreshing alpine-like lightness.

What the experts say:

Stephen Wong MW, The Real Review, 93 Points, Top Value NZ (2023)
"Light ruby. An airy expression with baking spice and subtle rosehip, hibiscus notes over a core of compact raspberry, black cherry fruit. Light-bodied and silky, this flows easily across the palate with perfume and accessible flavours while remaining elegant and fine right to the finish."