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Buy any 6 bottles and save 5%. Buy any 12 bottles and save 10% (excludes wines on offer). Free UK delivery on orders over £100. Tel: 02922 337454
2023 North Canterbury Chardonnay, Pyramid Valley Wine Republic

2023 North Canterbury Chardonnay, Pyramid Valley

North Canterbury, New Zealand

Canterbury Gold

Richly textured and brimming with character, this Chardonnay brings together ripe orchard fruit, savoury complexity and a bright citrus edge. Peach and nectarine unfold alongside lemon peel and grapefruit, with delicate wildflowers and lemongrass lending freshness to the bouquet. Brioche, toasted hazelnut and a gentle touch of vanilla add warmth and depth, while subtle oak spice completes an inviting, beautifully layered impression.

The palate is full and generous, with concentrated fruit and a creamy, almost chewy texture that gives every mouthful substance. Fresh, saline acidity runs through that richness, keeping the wine poised and carrying its citrus and nutty flavours into a long, savoury finish. There is plenty to enjoy now, especially alongside buttery fish or roast poultry, yet enough structure and freshness to reward several more years in the cellar. A compelling choice for anyone who likes their Chardonnay expressive, textural and quietly powerful.

For when: Sunday lunch deserves a bottle worth lingering over.

Pairs with: Roast turbot with brown shrimp butter, chicken and leek pie, seared scallops with beurre noisette, pork loin with sage and apple, celeriac and mushroom gratin, or aged Comté.

Old Mendoza Chardonnay vines at Waipara Springs provide the heart of this wine. Planted between 1982 and 1990 in Omihi clay soils, they connect this regional bottling to some of North Canterbury’s established vineyard heritage, bringing a distinctive sense of depth and substance.

Whats in the bottle
Chardonnay 100%

Notable Awards
96 points, Wine Orbit

£37.95 - £37.95
£37.95
£37.95 - £37.95
£37.95
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Pyramid Valley began in 2000, when Mike and Claudia Weersing established their vineyard in the limestone hills of Waikari, North Canterbury. Their search for the right site had taken 15 years, drawing on Mike’s training in Burgundy and Claudia’s commitment to biodynamic farming. Brian Sheth and Steve Smith MW took ownership in 2017, continuing the founders’ pursuit of distinctive New Zealand Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

The home estate’s cool hillside setting and limestone, clay and marl soils remain central to Pyramid Valley’s identity. Its vineyards are complemented by the Low Burn estate in Central Otago and relationships with selected growers in other New Zealand regions. These partnerships allow the team to explore established sites such as Waipara Springs alongside their own closely planted vineyards.

Winemaker and estate manager Huw Kinch joined in 2018, alongside viticulturist Nick Paulin. Organic and biodynamic practices guide farming at the two estates, while indigenous yeasts and restrained intervention shape the approach in the cellar. The emphasis is on carefully grown fruit, expressive textures and wines whose individual vineyard character remains clear.

Made from 100% Chardonnay, including old Mendoza vines at Waipara Springs planted between 1982 and 1990 on Omihi clay soils. The vineyard is dry farmed without synthetic chemicals or fertilisers. Grapes were hand harvested between 31 March and 6 April 2023.

The fruit was whole-bunch pressed, and the juice transferred directly to barrel without settling. Fermentation took place with indigenous yeasts in French oak, with 28% new barrels contributing structure and subtle spice.

The wine remained on its lees without sulphur additions for 12 months before being racked to tank in April 2024. It then spent a second winter on light lees and was bottled unfined and unfiltered in August 2024, preserving its generous texture and character.

Alcohol: 14%. Total acidity: 6.3g/L. pH: 3.33. Suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Recommended drinking window: 2026–2030.

Wine-Searcher Retailer Awards 2026/27 Gold, Overall List in Cardiff