Mahi 2011 Pinot Noir

Bob Campbell describes Mahi’s Pinot Noir as one of the most charming of the Marlborough Pinots

Mahi, meaning ‘our work, our craft’, was established by Brian and Nicola Bicknell in 2001 with the aim of producing single vineyard wines that reflect the unique attributes of each site. The symbol, at first glance looking rather like the Slow Food snail, is a stylisation of a fern frond unfurling – good things take time.

Winemaker and owner Brian Bicknell pursues organic and biodynamic methods, even to the point of fining with organic egg whites. His mission is revealing, and it does set the Mahi Pinot apart from some of the more mass produced pinots of Marlborough -  '...the primary emphasis for all the wines is texture, aiming for wines that give real palate satisfaction rather than fruit-bomb styles.'

The wine sweeps silkily across the palate, lingers beautifully - more textured than dense, as Bicknell wants, making it especially delicious with food. While there are distinct cherry notes, there's nicely funky game and spice, which adds to the appeal. It is perfectly weighted and  there's a harmony between sweet fruit and oak - a very dreamy pinot indeed. Highly recommended.