Pyramid Valley 2019 Lion's Tooth Chardonnay (North Canterbury)

From one of New Zealand's most revered vineyards, Lion's Tooth comes with a fair lick of smoke and oyster-shell aromas at first sniff. But a little aeration in glass and the delicate aromas of lemon curd, white peach, vanilla bean and cream shine through. There's weight to the palate and a lovely slippery texture. The laser-like, citrusy acidity is a reminder of just how cool the climate is up in Pyramid Valley, north of Christchurch. Persistent, layered, elegant and classy, this is one of New Zealand's most expressive Chardonnays, and it almost guarantees a long and ever-changing life ahead. Drink now through 2032 at least. Christina Pickard