Mahi Pinot Noir, Marlborough (2023)
The 2023 Vintage
Mahi, meaning ‘our work’ in Maori, is the brainchild of Brian Bicknell, whose focus on site-specific winemaking has helped redefine the potential of Marlborough Pinot Noir. By sourcing fruit from seven distinct vineyards across the Wairau and Southern Valleys, this cuvée offers a complex, multi-layered snapshot of the region’s diverse clay and stone terroirs.
The winemaking philosophy is rooted in traditional, low-intervention techniques. The fruit is hand-picked and 100% de-stemmed before undergoing a natural fermentation with indigenous yeasts. The wine then matures for eleven months in French oak barriques, a process that polishes the tannins while allowing the vibrant, crunchy red fruit to remain the focus. This patient, thoughtful approach results in a Pinot Noir that values texture and structural integrity over simple fruit sweetness, showcasing a sophisticated savoury edge.
Pouring this bottle reveals a beautifully balanced profile of wild raspberry, dark cherry, and subtle forest floor aromatics. It is an intelligent, highly expressive red that commands respect on the table, acting as a brilliant companion for a classic Sunday roast lamb or a rich, earthy mushroom risotto.
The Fulham Wine Co Take
Mahi
