Mahi Twin Valleys Chardonnay 2023
Vintage
2023
Region
Marlborough
Country
New Zealand
Style
Still
Grape Varieties
Chardonnay
ABV
14%
Dietary
Vegan, Vegetarian
Sustainability
Sustainable Certification
Mahi
Mahi Wine is a Marlborough producer based in Renwick, New Zealand, founded in 2001 by Brian and Nicola Bicknell. Known for Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and single-vineyard Marlborough wines, Mahi was created to highlight the quality and diversity of individual vineyard sites across the region. Its name means “our work, our craft”, reflecting a hands-on, low-intervention approach to winemaking. Mahi offers a distinctive expression of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and Marlborough wine, with texture, balance and food compatibility at the centre of the range.
Read MoreViticulture
Mahi Twin Valleys Chardonnay 2023 comes from a small parcel in Twin Valley Vineyard, located in the Fareham Lane area of Marlborough. The vineyard sits at the western end of the Wairau Valley, near the Waihopai junction, on an upper terrace. The soils combine silt, clay and stones, providing both drainage and water-holding capacity during dry periods. Being further from the sea, the site has a cooler climate, encouraging slower ripening, retained acidity and a mineral character.
Vinification
The grapes were whole-cluster pressed, and the high-solids juice was transferred directly to French barriques for fermentation with indigenous yeast. This approach builds texture, savoury complexity and depth without compromising freshness. After 15 months in oak, the wine was gently removed from barrel once balance had been achieved, preserving the fresh, structured Chardonnay style intended for this site.
2023
Mahi Twin Valleys Chardonnay 2023 comes from a small parcel in Twin Valley Vineyard, located in the Fareham Lane area of Marlborough. The vineyard sits at the western end of the Wairau Valley, near the Waihopai junction, on an upper terrace. The soils combine silt, clay and stones, providing both drainage and water-holding capacity during dry periods. Being further from the sea, the site has a cooler climate, encouraging slower ripening, retained acidity and a mineral character.
Tasting Note
Mahi Twin Valleys Chardonnay 2023 shows citrus and tropical fruit notes, supported by secondary complexity from indigenous yeast fermentation and barrel ageing. The palate is elegant and structured, with fresh acidity, a creamy textural mid-palate and measured weight. Medium-bodied, it balances fruit richness with a cooler-site mineral line. The finish is long, composed and fresh, giving a precise Marlborough Chardonnay with depth and restraint.
Food Pairing
Pair with roast chicken, grilled turbot, scallops with beurre blanc, crab pasta, butternut squash risotto, Comt?, mushroom dishes or lemon and herb poussin.
