Gold Medal – New Zealand International Wine Show 2023
Winery notes (2022 Vintage)
"Dark cherry and berry fruits, hints of violet, clove and cinnamon – the layers of fruit are seamlessly wound into dark velvety tannins. A stunning representation of a Central Otago Pinot with punch and poise.
Vineyards: 39% Poison Creek (Queensberry), 61% Mohawk Hill (Lowburn) – 35% Whole cluster average: 22% Maceration average: 23 days on skins – Matured 10 months in barrique – No fining / minimal filtration.
There were so many positives with this growing season and the resultant 2022 harvest. Nature provided some timely rains from October to December, which combined with warm dry periods in between allowed the vines to thrive, good even growth making Spring / Summer vine training a dream. Our nemesis, jack frost, was nowhere to be found and we enjoyed calm settled weather over flowering and fruit set, resulting in a healthy crop load with above average number of bunches/vine but smaller than average berry size, the perfect combination. Whilst the strong La Nina brought rain to the North Island and much of the East Coast of Australia, it gave us a beautifully warm, dry Autumn that extended into May. Whilst harvest started early for us in mid-March at Mohawk Hill, we enjoyed the cooler finish to the season which slowed down ripening at Poison Creek and Mt Maude, giving the Pinot Noirs in particular, time to develop wonderful flavours. We’re excited."
Top 10 Pinot Noir, October 2023, David Walker Bell, WineFolio.co.nz (2022 Vintage)
"The colour and perfume promises well – a vibrant, smoky complexity. The palate has a jube and cordial edge to the flavours of bramble, raspberry and black plum; plus a dusty, autumnal savoury-dried herb element. Another example where nothing sticks out, and it settles into a “velvet-smooth texture and balance”."
Reviews for previous vintages below…
Rated Excellent, 5 Stars & 93/100 NZ Wine Rater, August 2022 (2021 Vintage)
"Alluring, fragrant, fruit-saturated nose with vibrant aromas of damson plum conserve, strawberry, African violets, confectionery and cloves. Soft and lush on the palate with delicate red fruit flavours a smattering of spice and long, well-structured tannins. A very appealing wine."
94/100 Gourmet Traveller Magazine, NZ Pinot Noir Tasting, June 2021 (2019 Vintage)
"2019 Maude Pinot Noir received universal acclaim. Mathews summed it up: “A subtle yet alluring nose of red berries, star anise and dried rose petals. The palate is focused, with integrated chalky tannins and a green peppercorn finish.” I thought the wine had a sense of purity, with red cherry and raspberry fragrance. It was fine in style, with good balance and line through the mouth, and a nice touch of acidity."
4 ½ Stars Michael Cooper (2019 Vintage)
"The attractive, vigorous 2019 vintage was grown at Queensberry and Lowburn, in the Cromwell Basin, and matured for 10 months in French oak barriques (25 per cent new). Full, bright ruby, it is fragrant, full-bodied and fruit-packed, with very generous cherry, plum and spice flavours, showing considerable complexity, and supple tannins. Best drinking 2023+."