Mount Edward is a longstanding K&L customer favorite, crafting Pinot Noir with purity, intensity and elegance, vintage after vintage. They also happen to be one of our most longstanding direct import partnerships, so this consistency of quality is something we’ve been able to observe firsthand. Located in the heart of Central Otago on New Zealand’s South Island, Mount Edward is a pioneer of organic and biodynamic viticulture, founded in 1997 and led today by maverick winemaker Duncan Forsyth. The newest vintage of the winery's flagship estate Pinot Noir, the stunning 2022, is a masterclass in elegance, made with fruit from their organic-certified vineyards across the Gibbston, Bannockburn, and Lowburn sub-regions. It also is yet another vintage that truly overdelivers for its modest price. A year that was slightly warmer and longer than average, this Pinot Noir opens with vibrant black and red cherry notes, backed up by fresh red currant and layered with the region's signature notes of wild thyme and spice. While the fruit is forward and vibrant, the palate is seamless, balancing well-integrated tannins and a nimble mouthfeel. Very open and approachable now, with exuberant, youthful fruit, the wine is kept in check by snappy, bright acidity and crunchy red fruit on the palate – pomegranate, rhubarb – along with a delicate hibiscus note. On the palate, it balances power with finesse, featuring a fine-grained tannic structure and a mineral-driven finish, tied together with just a touch of French oak. Some wines require time in bottle or time in a decanter, but this is a bottle that is so lively right after opening. Simply put, it’s one of Central Otago’s most authentic and transparent examples of Pinot Noir.

This latest release from Mount Edward has a bright and spicy nose with floral scents, as well. Very pretty! In the mouth, a nice medium to full viscosity with flavors of tart cherry, raspberry and lightly savory herbs. The acidity is fine and lingers on the finish, followed by acai juice. Delicious and ready to drink!

The 2022 Mount Edward Pinot Noir is composed of destemmed fruit with 25% whole clusters that underwent native yeast fermentation. It aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 20% of which were new. Vegan, organic, and biodynamic. Fresh and bright—juicy red cherry, wild strawberry, violets, bouquet garni, and a grounding hint of asphalt in the finish. After being cooped up under a stelvin, let this breathe for a few minutes to reveal all it has to offer. Bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal SO2 and maximum deliciousness.