Moko Hills Kakano Pinot Noir 2023 is an expressive, textural red from Moko Hills, a boutique, family‑owned winery in the Bendigo subregion of Central Otago, New Zealand, that focuses on minimal‑intervention viticulture and wines that reflect the unique character of their schist‑rich site. Moko Hills sources fruit from estate vineyards on the foothills of the Dunstan Range, where elevation, native flora and fauna, and cool–warm diurnal shifts give Pinot Noir both intensity and finesse; each label also celebrates local species and landscape as part of the brand’s identity. The 2023 Kakano Pinot Noir is made from 100 % Pinot Noir (predominantly Abel clone) that was 100 % whole‑bunch fermented with natural yeasts and handled gently to avoid excessive extraction. After 15–20 days on skins, it was pressed to old French oak barrels for about 12 months of ageing, then allowed to complete malolactic fermentation naturally before bottling unfined and unfiltered, resulting in a wine with subtle oak integration and expressive texture. This wine typically shows lifted aromatics of red and dark fruit, floral and savoury spice notes, with a palate that combines bright fruit intensity, gentle tannins and an elegant, finely balanced finish that speaks to both site and vintage. The style celebrates texture and place, the name Kakano itself refers to texture, grain and colour, emphasising the sensory experience of the wine. Moko Hills Kakano Pinot Noir 2023 pairs beautifully with dishes like roasted duck, herb‑crusted lamb, mushroom‑based cuisine or rich poultry, and its vibrant acidity and refined tannins make it versatile at the table or enjoyable on its own. Why we love this wine? We love the terroir experience this wine reflects!
