Pyramid Valley Field of Fire Chardonnay

From the biodynamically farmed Field of Fire parcel in the Omihi subregion of North Canterbury, this Chardonnay is grown on a gently sloped, southeast-facing clay-limestone site sheltered by trees and surrounding hills. Originally planted in 2000 at high density (11,111 vines/ha), the wine today is sourced from the original plantings and a small portion of the 2018 expansion. Shallow glauconitic clays over limestone give the site its distinctive cool, mineral profile and finely structured style.

Harvested on 29 April, the fruit underwent a short four-hour skin contact before being pressed to old French oak for natural fermentation. The wine matured for 12 months in barrel on light lees, followed by five months in tank before bottling unfined and unfiltered.

More taut and mineral than its sibling Lion’s Tooth, it shows crystalline citrus and stone fruit layered with subtle savoury complexity, underpinned by a firm limestone core. The palate is precise and energetic, with immaculate texture and a long, saline finish—an elite expression of New Zealand Chardonnay.