Maude Estate Pinot Noir 2023

The 2023 Maude Pinot Noir is a bold and savoury expression of Central Otago—precise, structured, and quietly powerful. Crafted from a blend of exceptional vineyards including Mohawk Hill (Lowburn), Poison Creek (Queensberry), and Gibbston Valley, this wine exemplifies the Maude house style: poised, dark-fruited, and terroir-driven.

A challenging yet ultimately rewarding growing season—marked by early frosts, humid spring conditions, and late rains—was navigated with meticulous canopy management and harvest timing. The result: low-yielding fruit of stunning flavour depth and natural balance. Fruit was fermented with an average of 15% whole cluster and macerated on skins for 28 days, followed by 10 months in French barriques. The wine was bottled unfined and minimally filtered in February 2024.

In the glass, the wine opens with blackcurrant, bramble and dark cherry aromas, underpinned by smoked spice and wild herb. The palate is structured yet supple, with layers of plum, clove, crushed forest berries and velvet tannins. A savoury edge brings tension and refinement to the long, mineral finish.

Small-Batch Detail

• Vineyard Sources: Mohawk Hill (55%), Poison Creek (26%), Gibbston Valley (19%)

• Clones: 115, 667, 5, Abel, 777

• Whole Cluster: Avg. 15%

• Maceration: Avg. 28 days on skins

• Maturation: 10 months in French oak barriques

• Alcohol: 13.5% 

• Bottled: 28 Feb 2024 | No fining, minimal filtration

• Production: 4,030 dozen

• Cellaring: Drink now or cellar 6–10 years

FinePinot Note
This is Central Otago Pinot with muscle and poise—a wine that prioritises savoury structure over flash. Maude 2023 is a smart choice for drinkers who prefer their Pinot Noir with depth, edge, and food-pairing power. Perfect with duck breast, charred lamb or lentil stew with rosemary.

Maude Wines

Maude Wines is a family-owned wine company based in Central Otago, New Zealand, producing hand-crafted wines from their custom-built winery. They focus on Pinot Noir, including individual vineyard reserve wines like those from their Mt Maude Vineyard. Maude wines are known for their fine-textured, complex, and nuanced styles, often highlighting a focus on vinosity over simple fruit flavors. 

(Mohawk Hill, Mt Maude Vineyard, Image source from Maude Wines Offical Site)

Central Otago, New Zealand

Central Otago has quickly established itself as ground zero for Pinot Noir in New Zealand-in the words of Jancis Robinson, "many believe this is where the Pinot grail is to be found".

(Image source from www.bestwineries.nz)