Field Of Fire Chardonnay, Pyramid Valley Vineyards 2023

A textural, well-crafted and poised chardonnay displaying sweet lemons, apples and warm spices on the nose. Medium-bodied with fresh acidity. Well defined and inspired, with a precise stream of crunchy tannins, fresh acidity and a long, zesty finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

Just one barrel of the 2023 Chardonnay Field of Fire was made. Spring frosts wiped most of the crop out before the season had a chance to get going. While this is oaked, its fruit profile reminds me of the cool wines of Chablis. This is a firm, focused, fledgling of a Chardonnay. It has a lightly creamy mid palate, but what's most evident is the corset of powerful acidity that leaves a sensation that reminds me of wringing out a wet towel. The 2023 has real push and pull tension, with apple and pear fruit notes meeting integrated touches of brioche and hazelnut. Perhaps not the longest Field of Fire, but this is still in its cocoon, and when it turns into a butterfly, this may become more extended. 2026 - 2036

This is tight and precise, revealing hints of flint, floral notes, wet stone, hay, green olive salinity and savouriness. Distinctly vertical in structure, and defined by blocky minerality, this is less giving than some. The tautness and salinity envelops the concentrated, late flavours of spice in a restrained, light-bodied package. Really long on the finish, though currently a bit chewy, this needs quite a bit of time to come out of its shell.