Moko Hills Pinot Noir 2022 is an expressive, terroir‑driven red from Moko Hills, a boutique, family‑owned winery in the Bendigo subregion of Central Otago, New Zealand that celebrates the rugged landscape, endemic flora and fauna of its quartz‑ and schist‑strewn foothills. The estate’s vines sit at elevations around 310–370 m above sea level, benefitting from warm, dry days and cool nights that help build flavour concentration, bright acidity and fine structure in Pinot Noir. The label artwork, such as the Kawarau Gecko, connects the wine to the land and its native species. Hand‑harvested in late March from small berries with compact bunches, the 2022 fruit was vinified in three small lots (100 % whole bunch, 70 % whole bunch and fully destemmed) with wild yeast fermentation and gentle extraction to preserve nuance. After 23 days on skins, the wine was pressed to old French oak barrels for about 12 months, completing natural malolactic fermentation before bottling unfined and unfiltered to reflect site expression. In the glass it typically shows a medium ruby hue and enticing aromatics of red cherry, plum, florals and spice framed by subtle earthy undertones and cool‑climate freshness. The palate is medium‑bodied yet layered, with vibrant acidity, fine tannins and a long, poised finish that speaks to both fruit purity and thoughtful winemaking. Critics have highlighted its lifted floral complexity, savoury herb nuance and elegant structure, hallmarks of Bendigo Pinot from a great vintage. This Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with roasted duck, herb‑crusted lamb, pork tenderloin or mushroom‑based cuisine, and is equally compelling on its own. Why we love this wine? We love all of Donald’s wines and this is an exceptional expression of the Bendigo Hills site!
