September 2025
Our latest Pleasure ▪ Culture ▪ Craft comes to you just as Wine Enthusiast announces its Wine Star Award shortlist, and we are thrilled to share that Pyramid Valley has been included in the New World Winery of the Year nominees. This is the first time Pyramid Valley has been nominated and is the only winery from New Zealand or Australia in the category…something we are incredibly proud of.
This month in "Our Thoughts" we hear from our National Viticulturist Nick Paulin, whose recent discovery that our Snake's Tongue vineyard block is grafted to Riparia Gloire rootstock has challenged some previous assumptions about this prestigious rootstock. At times avoided by organic growers due to its supposed drought susceptibility, it has not only survived but thrived under our regenerative viticulture practices and when combined with Abel clone, has resulted in our most exceptional Central Otago Pinot Noir.
We also share Alder Yarrow's comprehensive exploration of New Zealand Chardonnay in Vinography which positions Pyramid Valley alongside Bell Hill as "the pinnacle of New Zealand Chardonnay and the guiding lights for where it can and should go, in terms of quality, but also style." His assessment that "the wines are as good or better than they have ever been" validates our commitment to crafting wines that breathe of their place through meticulous grape growing and winemaking.
Lastly, the inaugural release of our Kererū Road Chardonnay marks Pyramid Valley's return to Hawke's Bay with a wine inspired by the great wines of the Mâconnais, created through our unique Chardonnay lens and winemaking philosophy. This addition expands our Chardonnay portfolio from the soaring coolness of Central Otago through the limestone-infused expressions of Waikari to the beauty and softness of Hawke's Bay.
From rootstock surprises to critical acclaim, it has been a great start to spring in New Zealand!
Click here for the full issue.
Steve Smith MW Natalie Grace
Editor at Large Chief Editor