Kahiwi: thrilling New Zealand Pinot Noir
Yesterday saw the Singapore launch of a brand new wine we are proud to have added to Vinum’s portfolio. Kahiwi is a new boutique estate In Central Otago, New Zealand. This is an exciting project, created by wine lovers, with a deep connection to the Singapore wine community.
Specialising in terroir-driven Pinot Noir, and based at New Zealand’s ground zero for this fickle variety, Kahiwi is a partnership between locals Mike and Olivia Wolfenden and Singaporean wine lover and businessman, Mr. Goh Yew Lin. Mike spent a decade at Felton Road, one of the pioneers of Central Otago and an icon of New World Pinot Noir, during which time he and Olivia become friends with Yew Lin as he developed a passion for the potential of top New Zealand Pinot. Olivia was working at Burn Cottage, a neighbouring winery specialising in single vineyard Pinot Noir.
Completing the Singapore connection the labels have been designed by another local wine lover, Chris Lee of design agency The Asylum, whose previous projects include The Warehouse Hotel in Robertson Quay.
In Te Reo Māori, “Kahiwi” means the ridge of a hill or heart of a tree, reflecting the commitment to expressing vineyard character through sustainable, non-interventionist and innovative practices.
Working with an established vineyard is a privilege in Central Otago and many of Kahiwi’s vines are over 20 years old. To give this context, Felton Road was first planted only in the early 1990s. Vine age promotes complexity and texture in Mike’s wines and also helps him achieve a balance that is harder to find with younger plants. It also helps that the Kahiwi site is recognised as something of a Mount Pisa Grand Cru by Otago locals and old timers.
Two wines are produced, based on distinct soil types:
Cuvée Madeline
Named for Yew Lin’s mother and reflecting the lively energy of quartz and schist soils.
Cuvée Stella
A name from Mike’s family, resonating with the depth of clay and loam soils.
Mike’s style seems to draw inspiration from Burgundy but with a solidly New Zealand personality. I find Stella a slightly fuller, richer and more fruit-driven wine, whilst Madeline is more structural. Both wines are notable for their freshness and modest alcohol – especially from Otago when levels in excess of 14% are easily achieved.
Kahiwi made a splash in Singapore yesterday, with Mike and Yew Lin presenting their wines both to staff and invited guests. We could not be happier with our new NZ listing and are thrilled to support a project with such strong links to Singapore. Please contact your account manager to secure your cases today.
Very best wishes,
Matthew Hemming MW
THE OFFER:
Offered subject to remaining unsold and immediately available in SG.
Kahiwi 2021 Cuvée Stella
Launch price: SGD $585 ($637.65 inc GST) per case (x6 OC)
Regular list price $110 per bottle ($119.90 inc GST)
Ripe strawberries, raspberries and summer fruits, with some dried tobacco but far less of the dried herbal tones, and far more fruit, than many Otago Pinots. On day two, this is increasingly fragrant and aromatic in profile. Nicely dry on the palate, in contrast to the sweetness of its perfume, with some autumnal, leafy tones. Elegant, with an attractive cinnamon character on the mid-palate. Alcohol is moderate and totally inobtrusive, compared to many of its peers. Overall, this shows very impressive balance, with fine and lacy tannins, and more than nods to the Cote de Beaune in style and profile.
91/100 – Matthew Hemming MW
Kahiwi 2021 Cuvée Madeline
Launch price: SGD $585 ($637.65 inc GST) per case (x6 OC)
Regular list price $110 per bottle ($119.90 inc GST)
Whilst Stella is scented and fruit-led, this is far more about structure and spice, with a clear whole cluster component. There is still a fruit element – in bright, crisp and crunchy raspberry and red berry notes – but this is framed by briary, spicy snap that is as much textural, and tannin-driven, than it is a flavour character. There are pepper and delicate tobacco notes but none of the angularity I sometimes find in Otago, and (again!) the acidity and alcohol are nicely contained within the wine’s wider frame. Finely etched tannins bring further class. Rides on freshness and spice as it lingers on the finish.
93/100 – Matthew Hemming MW
Terms & Conditions
Offer ends on Wednesday 29th January 2025 l No further discount l Immediate payment required l Delivery fees ($32.72) waived for purchases above $500 before GST excluding airports | Cancellation of orders not allowed l Orders to be collected/delivered upon stock availability l Goods left uncollected may incur storage charges | Offered Ex-Singapore & subject to remaining unsold
