MacMuir Pinot Noir 2023

The MacMuir Pinot Noir cuvée comes from the MacMuir vineyard, located in Bannockburn, Central Otago, in the south of New Zealand, one of the southernmost wine regions in the world. This 5.1-hectare plot, situated on a north-facing hillside with deep silty soils mixed with alluvial gravels, offers ideal conditions for Pinot Noir maturation. Planted in 2012 after extensive soil preparation, it is cultivated according to organic and biodynamic principles, in order to preserve the pure expression of the terroir and the aromatic precision of the fruit.

The winemaking reflects the estate's minimalist philosophy, focused on reduced intervention to allow the character of the vineyard to express itself. The grapes are delicately destemmed then fermented in open vats with approximately 25% whole clusters and thanks to the naturally present indigenous yeasts. Fermentation and maceration proceed slowly to extract color and structure with finesse. The wine is then aged for approximately 13 months in French oak barrels, with nearly a quarter new wood. In accordance with the estate's artisanal approach, it is neither fined nor filtered before bottling.

This wine reveals notes of black cherry, raspberry, wild blackberry, black plum, faded rose, sweet spices, cocoa and a mineral hint like graphite. On the palate, the body is ample and deep, supported by superb acidity that balances the richness of the fruit. The tannins are fine but structuring, offering a silky texture and a beautiful tension. The finish is long and harmonious, gradually revealing an aromatic complexity that highlights the elegance and concentration of this terroir Pinot Noir.

Introduced in 1819, viticulture was greatly developed by Jean-Baptiste Pompallier, a French Marist missionary. Sent to Oceania in 1837, he settled there in January 1838 to develop New Zealand's vineyards. The first quality vineyards were established in the Hawke's Bay region during the 19th and early 20th centuries. After production setbacks initially caused by phylloxera and then the First World War, the vineyards began to expand again during the Second World War, doubling in size. Today, New Zealand has 10 major wine regions spread across the North and South Islands, the largest of which is Marlborough. Most of New Zealand's wine regions have a maritime climate. The country's long, narrow shape means that vineyards are never more than 120 km from the coast, and most are even much closer (with the exception of the semi-continental region of Central Otago). A mountain spine running through the center of the country protects most of the major wine regions from the strong westerly winds from the Tasman Sea known as the "Roaring Forties." Because of these winds, there are few wine regions on New Zealand's west coast. The quality and reputation of New Zealand wines are well established. Indeed, the country produces some of the best and most renowned Sauvignon Blanc in the world. And it's no coincidence that New Zealand has managed to make Sauvignon Blanc its symbol, alongside its sheep, kiwifruit, and the legendary haka!