Pyramid Valley Field of Fire Chardonnay 2023

Biodynamic. Field of Fire takes its name from the type of grass that grows among the vines in this gently sloped, southeast-facing, clay-limestone plot nestled in the northeast corner of the property, sheltered by a belt of trees and a range of hills behind it. The original 0.3 hectares were planted in 2000 at a density of 11,111 vines per hectare. Plantings expanded by a further 1.2 hectares between 2018 and 2020, though only the original 2000 plantings and 0.3 hectares from 2018 go into this wine. The Field of Fire plot has a cooler, rockier profile than Lion’s Tooth, and though soils vary throughout, there is a prevalence of shallow (10-15cm) glauconitic clays over the well-drained limestone bedrock. In comparison, Field of Fire typically shows a tighter mineral core and athletic structure cloaked by layered, complex flavour. 

Cropped even lower than Lion’s Tooth, here is another elite Chardonnay, worthy of a place among the best the New and Old World wines. The aromas are a tad more chiselled and feistier, with Meyer lemon, freshly cut limes and ocean spray bristling from the glass. Taught yet rich, the palate is almost startlingly fresh with a lightning bolt of acidity giving excellent energy to the concentrated salty-citrus flavours. Ms Gibb may have tasted this on a root day! 

Biodynamic. Field of Fire takes its name from the type of grass that grows among the vines in this gently sloped, southeast-facing, clay-limestone plot nestled in the northeast corner of the property, sheltered by a belt of trees and a range of hills behind it. The original 0.3 hectares were planted in 2000 at a density of 11,111 vines per hectare. Plantings expanded by a further 1.2 hectares between 2018 and 2020, though only the original 2000 plantings and 0.3 hectares from 2018 go into this wine. The Field of Fire plot has a cooler, rockier profile than Lion’s Tooth, and though soils vary throughout, there is a prevalence of shallow (10-15cm) glauconitic clays over the well-drained limestone bedrock. In comparison, Field of Fire typically shows a tighter mineral core and athletic structure cloaked by layered, complex flavour. 

Cropped even lower than Lion’s Tooth, here is another elite Chardonnay, worthy of a place among the best the New and Old World wines. The aromas are a tad more chiselled and feistier, with Meyer lemon, freshly cut limes and ocean spray bristling from the glass. Taught yet rich, the palate is almost startlingly fresh with a lightning bolt of acidity giving excellent energy to the concentrated salty-citrus flavours.