Place: North Canterbury, NZ

Variety: Pinot Noir

Farming: Biodynamic

Words from the importer, Bibendum:

Angel Flower is the prettiest of many synonyms for yarrow, a grassland and pasture plant with delicate, fennel-like leaves and a brilliant mass of white flowers. Yarrow is the basis of the biodynamic preparation 502 and is strongly associated with mobilising natural sulphur and potassium in the soil.

The nose here is a touch more delicate and savoury, with, according to Steve Smith, “the most pristine, intoxicating Angel Flower aromas I have ever experienced.”: cherry pastries, wild forest in the summer, red clover, lavender and a lick of hoisin. It immediately feels ripe, but from a cool place with autumn raspberries, early season red cherries and hints of clove and nutmeg. Underneath, there’s a fascinating blood orange note accompanied by summer berries and a savoury twist from the forest, while svelte tannins and thirst-quenching acidity give this a proper frame for aging. It’s simply dazzling and startlingly long, too.