Pyramid Valley Manatu Pinot Noir 2022

Pyramid Valley Mānatu Pinot Noir is Central Otago Pinot with a darker, more savoury pulse. Black cherry, blackberry and wild strawberry meet thyme, clove, crushed stone and subtle barrel spice, carried by silky texture, chalky freshness and finely grained tannins. Mānatu takes its name from the native ribbonwood tree, while the fruit comes from Pyramid Valley’s sheltered Lowburn vineyard, where north-facing terraces and deep gravelly soils help shape its concentrated but beautifully poised style. There is plenty to enjoy now, though this is one worth letting unfold slowly in the glass - or quietly disappear into the cellar.

What the winery says:

The Mānatu vineyard sits in a sheltered Central Otago valley, with elevated terraces sloping gently north and soils of loess over deep gravel and lime deposits. Individual Pinot Noir parcels are hand harvested, wild fermented and matured in French oak before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. The wine shows dark cherry, blackberry and clove aromas, developing further spice and savoury complexity with air. Its soft, silky texture is framed by fine tannins and a fresh, chalky line through the palate.

What the experts say:

Cameron Douglas MS, 95/100 & Outstanding
“A delicious wine with a hallmark of purity and pinosity, reflections of site and attention to detail in winemaking.”

Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion, 95/100
“There’s a distinct sense of stony composure on the palate, travelling savoury, sleek and true with fine-grained tannin.”

James Suckling, 94/100
“Perfumed and floral with aromas of dark cherries, cloves, wet bark and wild strawberries.”