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Pyramid Valley Lions Tooth Chardonnay 2020

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Pyramid Valley Lions Tooth Chardonnay 2020
Producer Pyramid Valley
Region, Country Canterbury, New Zealand
Bottle Size 750ml
Product Code 20958-750

Biodynamic. This 0.4-hectare site, like the wine that results, takes its name from the vineyard’s abundance of dandelions (dent-de-lion, or ‘lion’s tooth’ in French). These flowers predominate, apparently, because of the higher clay content in this parcel. It is a steeply inclined, east-facing site on soils that Weersing described as having a “…nut and crumb structure and great mineral fertility”. It’s the classic limestone and clay of the area, but here the higher balance of clay makes it the more vigorous of the two Chardonnay sites. 

The winemaking is the same as the Field of Fire, yet the differences in the signature of place are apparent. Indeed, the compelling 2020 Lion’s Tooth shows how a slight change in aspect and soil can impact the finished wine in these edgy, cool-climate vineyards. This too, shows the racy acidity of this vintage, be it a touch softer due to the completion of malolactic fermentation. 


Pyramid Valley Lions Tooth Chardonnay 2020

Reviews

"This is another sour lime and raucous herb-steeped wine. There is more obvious fruit intensity coupled with a more elevated ripeness level. With this larger volume of flavour, there is also more muscle and brawn. Less obviously elegant than Field of Fire, Lion’s Tooth will be a slow mover, and it will blossom in time and will end up being a glorious, full wine with whip-crack acidity stanchioning the fruit." 18.5/20
Matthew Jukes, matthewjukes.com
"Estate-grown on an elevated, inland, east-facing slope at Waikari, in North Canterbury, the distinguished 2020 vintage was barrel-matured for 20 months and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Bright, light yellow/green, it is a dynamic wine with vigorous stonefruit flavours, showing notable concentration, and a finely poised, crisp, lasting finish. It should flourish with cellaring." 5 stars
Michael Cooper, Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide New Zealand
"A lovely nose of flint, lemon rind, sliced pears and rosemary stem. Medium- to full-bodied with bright, citrus acidity that drives and pushes the palate through a long, lingering finish. Apple character on the palate. Very good concentration and intensity. Fresh with some brioche notes, too. Supple texture. Drink or hold."
94 points, James Suckling, Jamessuckling.com
"The 2020 Lion's Tooth is a Chardonnay you have to spend time getting to know. It is quieter than its stablemate, Field of Fire, but it creeps up on you and shows its colors if you are patient. The limestone-based vineyard is a slightly warmer site than Field of Fire - facing due east rather than southeast. It exudes a sense of calmness and roundness, followed by a natural flush of acidity that gradually builds, allowing the wine to draw out far beyond expectations. The finish is long and scented, offering up oatmeal, nutmeg and ripe lemon zest as it persists. I'd suggest giving it another 18 months in bottle to shake off its youthful untamed vigor."
96 points, Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous

Reviews

"This is another sour lime and raucous herb-steeped wine. There is more obvious fruit intensity coupled with a more elevated ripeness level. With this larger volume of flavour, there is also more muscle and brawn. Less obviously elegant than Field of Fire, Lion’s Tooth will be a slow mover, and it will blossom in time and will end up being a glorious, full wine with whip-crack acidity stanchioning the fruit." 18.5/20
Matthew Jukes, matthewjukes.com
"Estate-grown on an elevated, inland, east-facing slope at Waikari, in North Canterbury, the distinguished 2020 vintage was barrel-matured for 20 months and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Bright, light yellow/green, it is a dynamic wine with vigorous stonefruit flavours, showing notable concentration, and a finely poised, crisp, lasting finish. It should flourish with cellaring." 5 stars
Michael Cooper, Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide New Zealand
"A lovely nose of flint, lemon rind, sliced pears and rosemary stem. Medium- to full-bodied with bright, citrus acidity that drives and pushes the palate through a long, lingering finish. Apple character on the palate. Very good concentration and intensity. Fresh with some brioche notes, too. Supple texture. Drink or hold."
94 points, James Suckling, Jamessuckling.com
"The 2020 Lion's Tooth is a Chardonnay you have to spend time getting to know. It is quieter than its stablemate, Field of Fire, but it creeps up on you and shows its colors if you are patient. The limestone-based vineyard is a slightly warmer site than Field of Fire - facing due east rather than southeast. It exudes a sense of calmness and roundness, followed by a natural flush of acidity that gradually builds, allowing the wine to draw out far beyond expectations. The finish is long and scented, offering up oatmeal, nutmeg and ripe lemon zest as it persists. I'd suggest giving it another 18 months in bottle to shake off its youthful untamed vigor."
96 points, Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous

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