2023 Pyramid Valley North Canterbury Orange

93 POINTS

James Suckling

I love the tangerines, cloves, nutmeg, flint, rose petals and smoke. Medium-bodied with lovely density and hints of fine tannins. This is a sophisticated and polished orange wine.

93 POINTS

Cameron Douglas MS - Decanter

Made with Pinot Gris and displaying a natural orange hue in appearance, the aromas and flavours are appealing and fresh, with citrus peel and grapefruit pith, then a touch of saffron and honey. There's a floral layer alongside exotic fruit suggestions, plus sour honey and beeswax. Youthful and dry as the wine touches the chalky palate, which is taut and whose flavours reflect the bouquet and finishes with a gently phenolic texture. Don't let the term ‘orange wine’ make you turn away – when a good one such as this comes along, you’ll be inspired and intrigued.

91 POINTS

Christina Pickard - Wine Enthusiast

This smells just as it looks: like sun-ripening tangerines. There's a wild mineral edge, but overall, it hits high on the charm meter. The influence of the skins is intense in the mouth, adding a big dollop of grippy tannins, but there's enough fruit weight to prop it up. Drink just slightly chilled with crumbly cheese or any savory dish with walnuts or truffles.

90 POINTS

Rebecca Gibb MW - Vinous

The 2023 Orange North Canterbury is a weird and wonderful skin-contact wine blending Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc. It's dry, lightly tannic and while there's pear fruit, it is an array of wild herbs and spices like you’d meet in a Negroni that are to the fore. Well-made and intriguing, a range of attractive flavors will suit those who like an element of bitterness in their glass.

Christina Pickard - Wine Enthusiast

This tangerine-hued orange wine is an homage to the former owners of this beloved boutique estate in North Canterbury, the Weersings, who were champions of lo-fi, pre-industrial winemaking techniques. There's heady aromas of candied stone fruit and spice, with something wilder that's hard to pinpoint. Tannins are a little chunky and raspy amidst the creamy texture, and veer a touch bitter at the finish. Drink closer to room temperature alongside duck with apricots or a similar light red wine-friendly dish.