Description / Reviews
"Named after the ribbonwood (mānatu) tree, our Pyramid Valley Mānatu vineyard sits in a sheltered valley with elevated terraces gently sloping to the north. Soils of loess over deep gravel and pedogenic lime deposits produce grapes with floral and wild thyme aromas, black cherry and plum notes and fine, velvety tannins.
An assemblage of individual Pinot Noir parcels hand-harvested and fermented with wild yeasts then cellared in French oak for 12-18 months before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. Bright ruby hue. Dark cherries, blackberries, cloves, alluring aromas that grow with more time in the glass. Soft silky texture that coates the mouth with very fine grained tannins. Dark savoury fruits and chalky acidity drives through the palate." - Pyramid Valley, Winemaker
"Pyramid Valley opened a new chapter of its story in 2018 when it purchased Jean and Roger Gibson’s highly regarded Lowburn Ferry vineyard in Central Otago’s Lowburn sub-region. Already winning national awards by 2003, the site was planted in 2000 on a gentle, north-facing slope with 30% own-rooted vines and a mix of clones—some of the oldest Pinot vines in Otago. A supplement of higher-density Pinot Noir was planted on a lower terrace in 2018 by Pyramid Valley’s biodynamic specialist, Nick Paulin, who lives on and manages the property." - Bibendum, Importer
"Gentle, gamey-edged aromas of dark plum, cherry and wild strawberry fruits. Hints of thyme, spice, wildflowers, mocha, crushed stone, amaro herbs and dried citrus rind. There's a distinct sense of stony composure on the palate, travelling savoury, sleek and true with fine-grained tannin and some lovely sapid acid drive. Finishes spicy, plummy and chalky." - 95 Points, Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion
"The 2022 Pinot Noir Manatu (known as Manata in 2021) exudes a swoon-worthy scent, inviting you to stay awhile with its rich aromas of wild herbs and black cherry. As soon as it hits your mouth, it expands gently, offering up a sweet fruit ripeness; finely resolved tannins sit gently, coating the palate. Oak-derived mocha flavors linger on the medium-length finish, where a hint of alcohol warmth resides (14%) but doesn't distract." - 91 Points, Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous
