2022 Pyramid Valley Snake’s Tongue Pinot Noir

A wild and elegant masterpiece — Snake’s Tongue whispers pure Pinot perfection.

96 Points The Real Review | 95 Points Halliday Wine Companion

Outstanding Dual-Acclaimed Canterbury Pinot Noir - Excellent Value

The Snake's Tongue Pinot Noir 2022 from Pyramid Valley represents exceptional winemaking with an intriguing name that captures the wine's distinctive character and complexity. This outstanding wine has earned dual critical acclaim with 96 points from Hooke and 95 points from James Halliday, and has had two years to develop remarkable complexity and integration. Originally retailing for $170, this wine now offers excellent value at $120, representing a mature, dual-acclaimed Canterbury Pinot Noir with distinctive character at an attractive price.

 Tasting Notes

This exceptional mature Pinot Noir displays extraordinary elegance and complexity with intense aromatics of red cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, complemented by sophisticated notes of violet florals, forest floor, and exotic spice that define great Canterbury expressions. Two years of development has added layers of cedar, tobacco, vanilla, and coffee, while distinctive Canterbury characteristics of mineral precision, limestone complexity, and earthy sophistication add extraordinary depth. On the palate, expect medium-bodied elegance with silky tannins, excellent structure, and a long, mineral-driven finish that showcases the wine's exceptional maturity and the distinctive character that gives this wine its intriguing 'Snake's Tongue' name.

 Canterbury Snake's Tongue Terroir

Canterbury represents one of New Zealand's most distinctive wine regions, and the 'Snake's Tongue' captures the unique, serpentine character of this terroir. Pyramid Valley has mastered the art of expressing the distinctive characteristics of Canterbury's diverse soils and cool climate, creating wines that authentically showcase this unique region's personality.

 Pyramid Valley Snake's Tongue Excellence

Pyramid Valley has established itself as one of New Zealand's most innovative and quality-focused producers, with particular expertise in creating wines that express distinctive terroir character. The 'Snake's Tongue' represents their ability to capture the unique, complex character of their vineyard sites. The dual critical acclaim confirms their mastery of this distinctive style.

 Food Pairing Recommendations

• Premium Meats: Perfect with duck breast, lamb, or premium beef
• Game: Excellent with venison, wild boar, or rabbit
• Seafood: Pairs beautifully with New Zealand salmon or green-lipped mussels
• Cheese: Complements aged hard cheeses or New Zealand artisan selections
• Distinctive Occasions: Wonderful for unique and memorable dining experiences

 Perfect Two-Year Maturity

This 2022 vintage is now at excellent drinking maturity, showing the complex secondary characteristics that develop with two years of proper aging. The wine has reached an optimal drinking window while retaining excellent aging potential for another 12-18 years. The two years of development have enhanced the wine's complexity while maintaining its distinctive serpentine character.

 Excellent Value

At $120 (down from $170 RRP), this two-year-old, dual-acclaimed Canterbury Pinot Noir represents excellent value - a $50 discount! The combination of outstanding quality, distinctive character, and dual critical recognition makes this both a pleasure to drink and smart purchasing for wine lovers seeking unique New Zealand Pinot Noir.

 Snake's Tongue Character

The 'Snake's Tongue' name perfectly captures this wine's distinctive character - like the forked tongue of a serpent that can detect subtle nuances, this wine reveals complex layers and distinctive characteristics that make it truly unique and memorable.

 Outstanding Dual Recognition

The exceptional scores of 96 points from Hooke and 95 points from James Halliday place this wine in the elite tier of New Zealand Pinot Noir, confirming the distinctive quality and exceptional character that makes Snake's Tongue such a remarkable wine.

An exceptional mature Canterbury Pinot Noir that captures the distinctive character of New Zealand's unique terroir. With outstanding dual critical recognition and excellent value, this wine represents both immediate drinking pleasure and the distinctive personality that defines Pyramid Valley's innovative winemaking.