Kahiwi Cuvée Madeline Pinot Noir 2021 by Kahiwi from Central Otago’s Mount Pisa is a quietly thrilling single–vineyard pinot, all fine–boned structure, schist–driven minerality and lifted perfume rather than brute force. This Kahiwi Cuvee Madeline Pinot Noir 2021 is drawn from older vines on schist and quartz, naturally fermented with a touch of whole bunch and matured in French oak (about 20% new), giving precision and length.

Aromatically it’s fragrant and high–toned: bright raspberry, wild strawberry and red cherry, with rosehip, spice, dried tobacco, autumn leaf and a gentle briary snap that’s as much texture as flavour. The palate is medium–bodied, finely etched and structural, driven by crunchy red berries and darker cherry, framed by lacy, sandy tannins, lively acidity and a persistent, mineral, slightly savoury finish. It feels more Burgundian in shape than most Otago pinot – fresh, moderate in alcohol and built to unfurl gracefully over the next decade.

On the table, reach for roast duck, char–grilled salmon, mushroom dishes or herb–roasted chicken, where its spice, red fruit and fine tannin really shine. It will also sit beautifully with charcuterie, washed–rind cheeses or a beetroot and goat’s cheese salad, making it a compelling option for pinot lovers who crave detail, energy and a strong sense of place in their glass.