Matahiwi Estate Holly South Series Pinot Noir 2021

The Holly South Series showcases the unique terroir of Hawke's Bay, which is less common for premium Pinot Noir compared to Central Otago or Marlborough. The combination of blood plum and cherry characteristics with cedary French oak creates a more structured, Burgundian-style expression. Its exceptional accolades, including 95 points from Cameron Douglas and multiple international gold medals, demonstrate how Hawke's Bay can produce world-class Pinot Noir when vineyard selection and winemaking align perfectly.

This wine has excellent cellaring potential thanks to its bright acidity, structured tannins from 35% new French oak, and concentrated fruit from ideal vintage conditions. Over 5-8 years, the primary cherry and plum flavours will evolve into more complex secondary notes of forest floor, leather, and dried herbs. The oak integration will become seamless, allowing the wine's natural elegance and length to shine through while developing the classic earthy, gamey characteristics that make aged Pinot Noir so compelling.

The textured, savoury profile with herbaceous and spice notes makes this ideal for duck breast with cherry sauce or lamb with rosemary. The wine's sophistication and bright acidity also complement mushroom risotto, roasted salmon, or aged cheeses like gruyere. The cedary oak and purple flower aromatics create beautiful harmony with game birds, while the juicy fruit character prevents it from overwhelming lighter dishes like herb-crusted pork tenderloin.

While the specific clones aren't detailed, Matahiwi Estate's careful selection process is crucial for quality Pinot Noir production. Different clones contribute varying characteristics - some provide structure and colour, others enhance aromatics or fruit intensity. In Hawke's Bay's warmer climate, choosing appropriate clones ensures the wine maintains Pinot Noir's signature elegance while developing sufficient concentration. This thoughtful selection, combined with ideal 2021 vintage conditions, explains the wine's exceptional balance and complexity.

Ten months in French oak with 35% new barrels creates the perfect balance between fruit expression and structural complexity. French oak imparts subtle vanilla, spice, and the distinctive cedary notes mentioned, while allowing the delicate purple flower aromatics to shine through. The partial new oak approach prevents overwhelming the wine's natural elegance, instead adding texture and length that enhances rather than masks the blood plum and cherry fruit. This treatment is essential for the wine's aging potential and sophisticated mouthfeel.