Description

Establishing Mahi, meaning ‘our work, our craft’, was a long-held dream for Brian and Nicola Bicknell. A seasoned international winemaker, Brian made Mahi’s first vintage in 2001, and in 2006 they finally purchased a winery in the very heart of Marlborough. It is the texture of these wines that particularly impresses; while far from heavy, they have a sense of substance that places them among the very best in Marlborough.

This wine comes from a small parcel in the Twin Valley Vineyard, located in the Fareham Lane area of Marlborough. The vineyard is at the western end of the Wairau Valley, at the junction with the Waihopai, and is on the top terrace. The upper terrace along the Wairau has a more complex soil, a great mixture of silt, clay and stones that give drainage but also some water-holding to help the vines through the dry periods. Being some distance from the sea the climate is also cooler. The grapes therefore typically ripen more slowly and retain an interesting mineral character. An array of fruit characters, ranging from citrus through to tropical notes on the nose. This is complemented by some secondary characters from the natural yeast ferments and some barrel aging. The palate has an elegant structure with a creamy, textural mid-palate and a long finish. Delicious with roast white meats or grilled fish.