Writing another chapter in our exploration of these remarkable vineyard parcels.
The 2023 Botanical Collection wines write another chapter in our ongoing exploration of these remarkable vineyard parcels. The 2023 vintage also highlights the tenacity and expertise of our vineyard teams, who at times endured some very challenging conditions, yet still delivered grapes with perfect ripeness, be it in significantly reduced volumes.
As is typical in La Niña weather patterns such as 2023, North Canterbury and Central Otago had quite contrasting seasons. At Waikari we endured a dramatic season, none more so than on October 28th, when a severe spring snowstorm froze and killed more than 50% of our young shoots and florets. Combined with cool weather at flowering, our final yields were only 12 hl/ha. – about 25% of normal. The La Niña summer demanded real precision and diligence in the vineyard to achieve even, full ripeness right at the end of April, one of our latest harvests. The resulting wines exhibit the purity, clarity and almost ethereal texture that defines these great terroirs of Waikari, even in these low-cropping, cooler years. There were only 360 bottles of Field of Fire and 750 bottles of Lion’s Tooth produced.
At our Low Burn Estate, the weather was much more classic with a typical warm, dry, Central Otago season right through until the middle of March when a patch of cooler weather, including a light frost, slowed ripening significantly. This was a blessing, as the long hang time allowed us to harvest grapes with excellent flavour and fully ripe, velvety tannins, at moderate alcohol levels. The wine shows incredible precision, elegance and balance, and is our finest example of Snake’s Tongue to date.
The 2023 vintage also brings a change to closure, with all the Botanical Collection wines now sealed with a cork closure, Diam Origine 10. This cork guarantees freedom from cork taint, is bound together by natural beeswax compounds, and has consistent elasticity which guarantees a proper seal with each bottle. The bottle is also finished with a wax cap. This will be our closure for all following vintages, providing customers with real confidence in cellaring and honours the natural luxury idea that sits behind the Pyramid Valley brand.
We are delighted to have been able to produce the full suite of Botanicals Collection wines in 2023, highlighting that these unique vineyard parcels – even with the challenges of the season – speak loudly of their terroir and the distinct personalities they’ve developed.
Huw Kinch, Winemaker
Steve Smith MW, Founder and Estate Director
Pyramid Valley
October 2025 marks the release of the 2023 Botanicals Collection wines – the Field of Fire Chardonnay, Lion’s Tooth Chardonnay, Angel Flower Pinot Noir and Earth Smoke Pinot Noir from our Waikari Estate and the Snake’s Tongue Pinot Noir from our Low Burn Estate in Central Otago. To view the release e-book with more information on the season, vineyards and wines, click here. For current availability, click here.