Driven to create one of the new world’s great cool-climate vineyards, it took Mike and Claudia Weersing 15 years and a quixotic global journey that included a lengthy stopover in Burgundy before they found their perfect site. Inspired by the climate and soils of that region, the duo finally found their special place in the limestone-rich soils of Waikari in North Canterbury. From here Mike and Claudia established Pyramid Valley and emerged as NZ pioneers of both biodynamic practices and high-density viticulture. For almost 20 years they inspired and/or challenged all those who came into their orbit. Their minute scale and exceptional dedication to their soils and vines led to some incredible wines being produced. First visiting the vineyard in 2007, Steve Smith MW (then of Craggy Range) was one of many affected by what he describes as one the most compelling and unique vineyards he has ever visited. When Mike’s health went into decline, the Weersings were forced to sell and Smith and his partner Brian Sheth acquired the estate in late 2017. The spectre of Burgundy is writ large over the foundation and ethos of Pyramid Valley, yet we should not expect imitations in terms of the style of the wines. Rather they have their own very distinctive style and energy, and this is precisely as it should be with terroir-driven wines; uniqueness is the point. In 2018, Pyramid Valley became a two-property estate when it purchased the Manata vineyard in Central Otago’s Lowburn sub-region. The team quickly applied their precise viticultural standards to what was already considered one of the greatest sites in the region. In just three years, Paulin and his team have doubled the organic matter in the soil and achieved organic certification through BioGro NZ. They also immediately recognised the potential of the block they now call Snake’s Tongue—a nod to one of the many common names used for blue borage: Viper’s (snake’s) bugloss (ox-tongue). Fermented in an open-top concrete tulip, with 25% whole bunches and as much whole berry as possible, the wine matured in 25% new 500-litre puncheons for 12 months, followed by a further six months in neutral oak before being bottled unfined and unfiltered.

JEAN-NOEL GAGNARD Santenay 1er Cru Clos de Tavennes , Santenay

Cuvée de lAulne Gevrey-Chambertin A blend of grapes purchased from seven or eight growers, across 10 to 12 different communal parcels smattered throughout the village. Again, this is the approach that Ponsot advocates in order to glean the essence of the regional terroir, in this case that of a single lauded village. Red and dark fruit essences mesh with the smoked meat parlayed by Gevreys heavier, ferrous limestone. A richer wine in the context of Burgundy, without the edges and creases that need too much smoothing with time in the cellar. Accessible across the earlier to mid-term.

Domaine Lamy-Pillot 1er Cru Morgeot, Chassagne-Montrachet Domaine Lamy-Pillot is a small family-run winery, established in 1973, which counts as relatively youthful for the region. The wines of Lamy-Pillot are consistent and drinkable in the very best sense. The 1er Cru Chassagne-Montrachet is made with Pinot Noir fruit from vines planted in 1976, just three years after the establishment of the Domaine. It is aged for 12-18 months in barrel, 25% new oak. Closed in its youth, there is plenty of opportunity for ageing here. You will smell red forest fruits and light spice, with a balanced palate recalling raspberry, white pepper, slight smokiness, and whispers of oak.

Domaine Henri Magnien Gevrey-Chambertin Champerrier A relatively new cuvée, 2013 the first vintage of this wine. Situated close to Chambertin, Clos de Beze and Mazis-Chambertin, this vineyard is planted to old vines and Henri Magnien makes a mere 1200 bottles made. Champerrier has unusually rocky soils for Gevrey-Chambertin and this is evident in the wine with its minerality and elegance in with all that usual tannic structure. '...this is an exciting emerging domaine with which consumers are warmly advised to acquaint themselves'- Wine Advocate Shop Henri Magnien >

Domaine Henri Magnien Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes The Vieilles Vignes, or old vines, are from those mich sought-after 70 to 100-year-old vines from which the Massal Selection cuttings, named Pinot Magnien, are taken. Expect a juicy, generous Gevrey-Chambertin Villages rogue showing ripe red fruit, great balance, a medium-body and a lengthy finish. All much like the younger Villages equivalent bottling. However, youll find more depth, complexity and concentration here as expected from an old vines selection. '...this is an exciting emerging domaine with which consumers are warmly advised to acquaint themselves'- Wine Advocate Shop Henri Magnien >