2022 Whitehaven Pinot Noir – Cherry, blueberry, and silky depth from Marlborough

Marlborough is world-famous above all for its Sauvignon Blanc—but a closer look reveals a region that also offers exceptional conditions for Pinot Noir. The cool climate, long sunny days with intense UV radiation, and the well-drained soils of the Southern Valleys and the Awatere Valley produce Pinot Noirs with lively fruit, natural freshness, and genuine complexity. The 2022 vintage was a cooler, challenging season: Winemakers had to work with particular care amid increased disease pressure in the vineyard, but were rewarded with late, even ripening and aromatically rich grapes. The result is a wine with a delicate structure that expresses Marlborough’s elegance in a silky-smooth way.

The grapes were hand-harvested on cool autumn mornings and, after destemming, transported directly via a conveyor belt into small open stainless-steel tanks—without pumps, gently and precisely. A cold maceration lasting 3–4 days was followed by controlled heating for fermentation, which was carried out using either wild or selected yeast. After fermentation, the wine was pressed, allowed to settle overnight, and then aged gently for 10 months in French oak barrels, 20% of which were new. Following filtration, the wine was bottled on March 23, 2023—with care and the necessary patience to allow the fruit to fully develop.

What makes the 2022 Whitehaven Pinot Noir so special?

Whitehaven’s 2022 Pinot Noir combines two of Marlborough’s finest vineyards: the Southern Valleys (53%) contribute warmth, body, and ripe red fruit, while the cooler Awatere Valley (47%) adds freshness, structure, and aromatic precision. Multiple Pinot Noir clones enhance the complexity in the glass. The 3–4-day cold maceration prior to fermentation protects the delicate berry fruit aromas and adds depth without astringency. The use of wild yeast gives the wine an authentic, artisanal character. All grapes are hand-harvested—the winery avoids mechanical harvesting to maximize selection and quality. The profile is rounded out by AMW (Appellation Marlborough Wine) and SWNZ (Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand) certifications, as well as its vegan status—a wine that combines quality and responsibility.

So, how does the 2022 Whitehaven Pinot Noir taste?

In the glass, it displays a medium purple color with lively clarity—an inviting first impression. The nose opens with fresh aromas of raspberry, plum, and red cherry, accompanied by a delicate hint of cinnamon and anise, as well as subtle smoky notes derived from barrel aging. On the palate, the red fruit notes continue: cherry and blueberry blend with the region’s characteristic Omega plums, complemented by gentle herbal notes and a subtle oak presence. The texture is silky and supple—a Pinot Noir that is both approachable and complex.