Mahi Twin Valley Chardonnay 2022

Mahi Twin Valleys Chardonnay 2022 is a distinguished single-vineyard wine from Marlborough, New Zealand, crafted by Mahi Wines. Founded in 2001 by Brian and Nicola Bicknell, Mahi focuses on expressing the individuality of various vineyard sites through sustainable and minimal-intervention winemaking practices. The name "Mahi," meaning "our work, our craft" in Māori, reflects the winery's dedication to showcasing the unique characteristics of their vineyards.

The 2022 vintage is sourced from a small parcel in the Twin Valley Vineyard, located in the Fareham Lane area of Marlborough. Situated at the western end of the Wairau Valley, at the junction with the Waihopai, the vineyard lies on the top terrace. This area features complex soils - a mixture of silt, clay, and stones - that provide both drainage and water retention. Being some distance from the sea, the climate is cooler, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and retain an interesting mineral character.

The grapes were hand-picked on March 17th and 18th, 2022, at 22–22.5 Brix. They were whole-cluster pressed, and the high-solids juice was transferred directly to French barriques for fermentation with indigenous yeast. The wine underwent 15 months of aging in oak barrels, allowing for natural development and integration of flavors.

Mahi Twin Valleys Chardonnay 2022 presents an array of fruit characters, ranging from citrus through to tropical notes. This is complemented by secondary characters from the natural yeast ferments and barrel aging. The palate has an elegant structure with a creamy, textural mid-palate and a long finish.

This Chardonnay pairs well with a variety of dishes, including roasted chicken, grilled seafood, and creamy pasta dishes. Its bright acidity and fruit-forward profile complement rich meats and spicy flavors, while the wine’s subtle complexity enhances the overall dining experience.

Tasting Profile

Food Pairings:

Fish

Poultry

Shellfish