Mahi Marlborough Pinot Noir 2021

Winery Background and History

Mahi Wines, established in 2001 by Brian and Nicola Bicknell, is a boutique winery located in Marlborough, New Zealand. The name “Mahi” translates to “our work, our craft” in Māori, reflecting the founders’ dedication to producing wines that express the unique characteristics of their vineyards. With a focus on single-vineyard selections and minimal intervention winemaking, Mahi has garnered a reputation for crafting wines that showcase the purity and diversity of Marlborough’s terroir.

Producer and Winemaker

Brian Bicknell, formerly the head winemaker at Seresin Estate, leads the winemaking at Mahi. His philosophy centers on capturing the essence of each vineyard site, employing sustainable practices and traditional techniques. Brian’s approach includes hand-harvesting, indigenous yeast fermentation, and aging in French oak barrels, aiming to produce wines with depth, elegance, and a true sense of place.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The 2021 Pinot Noir is sourced from two distinct vineyards in Marlborough: Twin Valleys in the cooler Fareham Road area and Ward, located approximately 45 kilometers south of Blenheim. The Twin Valleys site contributes finesse and structure, while the Ward vineyard imparts depth and rich black fruit characters. The 2021 vintage was marked by early flowering, low yields due to rainfall during flowering, and a dry harvest period, resulting in concentrated and healthy fruit. 

Vinification & Aging Methods

Grapes were predominantly destemmed and underwent cold soaking prior to fermentation to extract color and soft tannins. Approximately 20% of the fruit was fermented with whole clusters using indigenous yeasts. Fermentation involved hand-plunging the skins and juice twice daily. Post-fermentation, the wine was aged for 15 months in French barriques and bottled unfined and unfiltered to preserve its natural character. 

Tasting Notes

The 2021 Mahi Marlborough Pinot Noir offers a full and rich bouquet with aromas of dark cherries and plums. On the palate, it is mouth-filling, ripe, and supple, exhibiting good complexity. Flavors of dark cherry, rhubarb, plum, dark chocolate, and spicy oak are complemented by soft tannins, leading to a well-rounded finish. 

Food & Wine Pairing

This Pinot Noir pairs well with a variety of dishes, including roasted duck, lamb samosas, and grilled salmon. Its bright acidity and fruit-forward profile complement rich meats and spicy flavors, while the wine’s subtle complexity enhances the overall dining experience.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve the wine slightly chilled at 14°C to 16°C (57°F to 61°F) to fully appreciate its aromatic complexity and balance. Using medium-sized red wine glasses will concentrate the aromas and allow the wine to express its full character. Decanting for 30 minutes can help open up the wine’s bouquet.

Storage and Aging Potential

Store bottles in a cool, dark place with consistent temperature and humidity. The 2021 vintage can be enjoyed now for its vibrant freshness but also has the potential to age gracefully over the next 5 to 7 years. With time, the wine may develop additional complexity, showcasing earthy and nuanced characteristics.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

100% Pinot Noir

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

14.% 

Scores

• Vinous: 90 points