The Mohua Pinot Noir, a wine that would easily be twice the price if it came from California.
100% Pinot Noir from the Bendigo (46%), Gibbston (40%) and Pisa (14%) subregions of Central Otago, New Zealand. The wine spends 10 months in French oak and has residual sugar of just 2 grams per liter.
Sample submitted for review. The Mohua Pinot Noir from Peregrine Wines has an SRP of $20 and is available for as low as $15. Imported by Vineyard Brands.
From the bottle:
The Mohua, or Yellowhead, is a small, colourful bird that can only be found in the pristine and majestic forests of New Zealand's South Island.
Once abundant, they are now classified as an endangered species, surviving in only a few remote areas.
Your support and enjoyment of this wine allows us to fund conservation projects that will directly enhance their chances of survival. Thank you.
A floral scented, rich and juicy Pinot Noir. Layered with fine tannins, raspberry and blackcurrant, wild strawberry and spice flavours.
13% Alcohol
The 2013 Mohua Pinot Noir begins with a pretty classic New Zealand Pinot Noir aroma full of red cherry, strawberry, cranberry, a touch of spice and a very nice earthy streak. It does need a bit of air to open up - I liked it from the get-go but it just kept getting better the more time it had in the glass. The light to medium-bodied wine has similar flavors to the nose with lots of very sweet, tart fruit, good spice, a continuing earthy streak and a smooth texture. There are also plenty of good oak and red licorice notes. The finish is dry and dusty with more sweet fruit plus some lingering coffee and cocoa.
