Pyramid Valley Earth Smoke Pinot Noir 2011
- Region
- New Zealand » North Canterbury
- Type
- red still, dry
- Producer
- Vintage
- 2011
- Grapes
- Pinot Noir
- Alcohol
- 14
- Volume
- 750 mL
- Cellar
- not available
Ratings
This wine is complex and challenging, yet undeniably charming. It features notes of damp earth, spoiled red fruits, wormwood, tobacco, pickles, and spices. The palate is salty and ripe, culminating in a long mineral finish with a pleasing bitterness. Not an easy drink, but rewarding for those who appreciate its intricate layers.
I tasted it blind, and knowing it was a Pinot Noir, I quickly guessed the wine and vintage. It's complex and not easy to enjoy. Besides, it's over the peak already. Wet earth, wormwood, tobacco, pickles, mushrooms, and spices. You see, there is no room for fruits anymore. It's high in alcohol, salty and ripe. The aftertaste is long, but wormwood plays a dangerous game here, adding some bitterness and complex flavours. Not for everyone. Somehow, I enjoyed (maybe I was already drunk).
Murky and pale garnet colour. Sophisticated bouquet with pickles, wild strawberries, wet earth, tobacco and spices. Palate is ripe, fruit-forward and powerful, with nice pickles and wet forest floor touch. Value is questionable, but it's definitely interesting experience. I like how Pyramid Valley plays with low intervention producing border wines.