2021 Kahiwi Cuvée Madeline Pinot Noir is a refined, terroir-driven Pinot Noir from Central Otago, New Zealand, sourced from the high-altitude Mount Pisa vineyard. This cuvée represents the more structured and mineral-focused expression of Kahiwi’s Pinot Noir range, highlighting the influence of schist and quartz soils.
On the nose, the wine shows raspberry, red cherry and floral notes, layered with spice, rosehip and subtle herbal complexity. The palate is precise and finely structured, with bright acidity, fine-boned tannins and a mineral-driven core, delivering a long, elegant finish.
Compared to the richer Stella cuvée, Madeline is more about structure, tension and savoury complexity, with spice, pepper and delicate tobacco nuances framing the red fruit profile. Winemaking is minimalist, with natural fermentation, partial whole-bunch inclusion (~14%) and extended maceration, followed by ageing in French oak (≈20–21% new) to enhance texture while preserving purity of fruit.
