Mahi Pinot Noir 2022

Mahi Pinot Noir 2022 is a distinguished red wine from Marlborough, New Zealand, crafted by Mahi Wines, a boutique winery founded in 2001 by Brian and Nicola Bicknell. The name "Mahi," meaning "our work, our craft" in Māori, reflects the winery's commitment to showcasing the individuality of various vineyard sites through sustainable and hands-off winemaking practices.

The 2022 vintage is sourced from two distinct vineyards: the Twin Valleys portion from the cooler Fareham Road area, contributing finesse and structure to the back-palate, and the Ward vineyard, approximately 45 kilometers south of Blenheim, providing depth with rich black fruit characters. The grapes were predominantly destemmed before undergoing cold soaking in small vats, allowing for the extraction of soft tannins and color at the juice stage. Approximately 20% of the fruit was fermented with stems or whole-bunches using indigenous yeasts, offering a wide variety of flavors and enhancing texture. During fermentation, the skins and juice were hand-plunged on average two times per day. Post-fermentation, the wine was aged for 15 months in French barriques, then gently racked, blended, and bottled unfined.

In the glass, Mahi Pinot Noir 2022 presents a pale ruby hue. The nose is expressive, offering aromas of ripe cherries, dark plums, and subtle earthy notes. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with a silky texture and balanced acidity, delivering flavors of red berries, dried herbs, and a hint of spice. The finish is smooth and lingering, showcasing the wine's complexity and elegance.

This Pinot Noir pairs well with a variety of dishes, including roasted duck, grilled salmon, and mushroom risotto. Its structure and balance suggest it will continue to evolve gracefully over the next few years, making it suitable for both immediate enjoyment and short-term cellaring.

Tasting Profile

Food Pairings:

Cheese

Game

Poultry