Introducing Recaredo: "The best producer of sparkling wine from Spain.” (Luis Gutiérrez, The Wine Advocate)
Bibendum Wine Co.
Bibendum Wine Co.
Bibendum Wine Co.
Bibendum Wine Co.

Log in for prices and ordering

Pyramid Valley Central Otago Pinot Noir 2020

Log in for prices and ordering
Pyramid Valley Central Otago Pinot Noir 2020
Producer Pyramid Valley
Region, Country Central Otago, New Zealand
Bottle Size 750ml
Case Size 6
Product Code 20914-750

This is from two parcels, the first located in the Lowburn sub-region on a gentle, north facing slope with 30% own-rooted vines and a mix of clones. Blessed with some of the oldest vines in Central Otago, the vineyard was founded by Roger and Jean Gibson, and today is owned and managed by Pyramid Valley. Soils are predominately loess over deep silts that have developed lime deposits. The site has been in organic conversion since Pyramid Valley took the reins in 2018, and was Biogro-certified earlier in 2022. The second parcel is in the Bannockburn subregion. The fruit was hand-picked and naturally fermented in open-top fermenters with 15% whole bunches and an extremely gentle infusion regime. It was aged in 25% new French barrels for 12 months before settling and aging in tank for a further six months.

The Otago is cast in a more succulent mould than the Canterbury. Alluringly fresh out the glass, you get lovely scents of dark cherry, exotic spice and an earthy tinge. It’s silky and vibrant fleshy, with a fine-boned structure offering plenty of immediate drinking pleasure. Wrapping around a core of deep red fruit, the tannins are perfectly formed and it closes with powerful length, elegance and freshness.

Pyramid Valley Central Otago Pinot Noir 2020

Reviews

“60% Lowburn Ferry, 40% Cairnmuir. Fermented with 25% whole-bunches. Sumptuous fruit with concentrated black-fleshed plum and cassis flavours. Very impressive wine with an incredibly lengthy finish.”
97 points, Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review
"The 2020 vintage was grown and hand-picked at Manata Estate (formerly Lowburn Ferry) and at Bannockburn. Matured for a year in French oak barrels (25 per cent new), it was then settled and aged for six months in tanks before bottling. Full, bright ruby, it is fragrant and mouthfilling, with concentrated, very vibrant cherry, plum and spice flavours, showing excellent depth and harmony, and ripe, supple tannins. Best drinking 2024+."
5 stars, Michael Cooper, Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide New Zealand
Very attractive nose of wild cherries, blueberries, cloves, rosemary and dried strawberries. Touch of vanilla bean comes through. Beautifully fine and silky tannins, with a medium body and long, creamy and elegant finish. Drink now or hold.
94 points, James Suckling, Jamessuckling.com
"The 2020 Pinot Noir Central Otago is an elegant rather than robust interpretation, representing the direction in which many of the best producers are heading. It is fragrant, offering up red cherry and strawberry as well as florals, dried herbs and even a hint of white stone fruit. There's a wildness to this wine aromatically but the texture and gentle tannins are refined and mouth-licking good, perhaps a result of just one pumpover during the whole of the fermentation."
94 points, Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous

Reviews

“60% Lowburn Ferry, 40% Cairnmuir. Fermented with 25% whole-bunches. Sumptuous fruit with concentrated black-fleshed plum and cassis flavours. Very impressive wine with an incredibly lengthy finish.”
97 points, Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review
"The 2020 vintage was grown and hand-picked at Manata Estate (formerly Lowburn Ferry) and at Bannockburn. Matured for a year in French oak barrels (25 per cent new), it was then settled and aged for six months in tanks before bottling. Full, bright ruby, it is fragrant and mouthfilling, with concentrated, very vibrant cherry, plum and spice flavours, showing excellent depth and harmony, and ripe, supple tannins. Best drinking 2024+."
5 stars, Michael Cooper, Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide New Zealand
Very attractive nose of wild cherries, blueberries, cloves, rosemary and dried strawberries. Touch of vanilla bean comes through. Beautifully fine and silky tannins, with a medium body and long, creamy and elegant finish. Drink now or hold.
94 points, James Suckling, Jamessuckling.com
"The 2020 Pinot Noir Central Otago is an elegant rather than robust interpretation, representing the direction in which many of the best producers are heading. It is fragrant, offering up red cherry and strawberry as well as florals, dried herbs and even a hint of white stone fruit. There's a wildness to this wine aromatically but the texture and gentle tannins are refined and mouth-licking good, perhaps a result of just one pumpover during the whole of the fermentation."
94 points, Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous

While you're here