Pyramid Valley Angel Flower Pinot Noir 2020

"Wow, wow, wow. The label depicts yarrow or angel flower – found growing wild in the vineyard. And yet, ‘angel flower’ could be a two-word descriptor for this sensational wine. It grows, and you can taste it by inhaling it – this is a remarkably aromatic wine. The fruit and flower notes are captivating, and in common with the Chardonnays, the texture is epic, ethereal, super-long and refined. The acidity teases at your cheeks, and the stunning tannins rake the palate into purple and red furrows. With less than 10% new oak and all large formats employed, this is a genuine Pyramid Valley terroir wine and one I imagine Mike would be incredibly proud of because it captures this site and his vision to perfection." 19.5/20

"The lovely 2020 vintage was estate-grown and hand-picked from vines planted in 2000-02 on an elevated, north-facing slope at Waikari, in North Canterbury. Matured for 18 months in French oak cuves and barrels, it was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Full, bright ruby, it has concentrated, ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours, oak complexity, supple tannins and notable harmony. Best drinking 2024+." 5 stars

"A hint of reduction on the nose blows off to reveal lovely aromas of fresh red cherries, strawberries, rosemary and violet. Then orange peel and fresh mint. Changes all the time. Medium- to full-bodied with silky, tightly knit tannins. Juicy and fresh on the palate. Showing complexity and verve with subtle intensity and length. So pretty right now. This will age nicely. Drink or hold. Screw cap." Top 100 wines of New Zealand

"The 2020 Pinot Noir Angel Flower is a soulful, complex wine that you don't really want to pick apart. Compared with the Pinot Noir Earth Smoke, which hails from the same small estate, it's not as obvious and takes longer to get to know. It's harmonious, round and calming, sitting comfortably in the mouth like a good friend visiting. It's my job to deconstruct wines, but I feel that to do so would be to destroy them. Pure, elegant, and quiet with a confident but unobtrusive line of acidity and airy-light chalky tannins that envelop the mouth. Rich intensity of sweet strawberry, fruit, fennel, thyme and smoky characters without any sense of heaviness. Initially, you might prefer Earth Smoke for its immediate aromatics, but I'd prefer to spend time with Angel Flower getting to know it. Over three days, I tried to get to the bottom of it but soon realized that might take years."