Hawkshead Pinot Noir

From the elevated slopes of Central Otago’s Gibbston Valley, Hawkshead Pinot Noir is an elegant, medium-bodied wine that celebrates purity, finesse and terroir. Fragrant red fruit, fine tannins and bright acidity weave together to create a vibrant yet refined Pinot Noir, perfect for both gifting and cellaring.

Tasting Notes & Experience

Bright ruby in the glass, the bouquet opens with red and dark berry fruits, sun-warmed wild herbs, forest floor and sweet spice. The palate is elegantly textured, brimming with ripe red berries, dark cherries and hints of spice. Fine tannins and lively acidity bring freshness and poise, leading to a juicy mouthfeel and a graceful, long finish.

Key Details

• Winery: Hawkshead
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Region: Central Otago, New Zealand
• Vintage: 2023
• ABV: 13%
• Volume: 750ml
• Other: Sustainable Winegrowing

Craftsmanship & Story

Hawkshead Vineyard sits on the north-facing slopes of Gibbston Valley, one of Central Otago’s most celebrated subregions. Owners Denis Marshall and Ulrike Kurenbach, together with winemaker Dean Shaw, combine hands-on care with a passion for terroir-driven winemaking. Each clone and parcel is harvested and fermented separately, before being blended to capture elegance, balance and Gibbston’s hallmark minerality.

Special Features

The Hawkshead label honours naturalist William Swainson, whose 19th-century artistry graces each bottle. The vineyard’s high-altitude location (350–400m), schist soils, and long, dry autumns yield a Pinot Noir of purity and slow-ripened complexity. Sustainable practices and meticulous hand-picking underscore a commitment to both the land and fine winemaking.

Recognition & Accolades

Hawkshead Pinot Noir continues to receive acclaim for elegance and finesse:

• 5 Stars & 94/100 Points – Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, 2023 vintage
• 5 Stars – Michael Cooper’s Buyer’s Guide, 2023 vintage
• 93/100 Points – Cameron Douglas MS, 2023 vintage
• 18.5/20 Points – Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews, 2023 vintage
• Gold & 95/100 Points – Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, 2019 vintage
• Gold & 93/100 Points – Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews, 2019 vintage

These accolades reflect Hawkshead’s place as one of Gibbston Valley’s most respected boutique Pinot producers.

Food Pairing

This elegant Pinot Noir is the perfect partner for herb-crusted lamb cutlets, roasted duck with cherry glaze or pork tenderloin with thyme. Earthy dishes such as wild mushroom risotto, beetroot salad or truffle gnocchi mirror its savoury undertones, while chargrilled salmon or tuna highlight its freshness. Soft, creamy cheeses like Brie or nutty alpine styles complete the match.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

A boutique Pinot Noir that captures the beauty of Gibbston Valley, Hawkshead is an elegant choice for gifting, entertaining or cellaring. Its balance of finesse and fruit purity makes it a refined addition to any collection.

Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery

Order online for fast NZ delivery. Lovingly packed with a selection of stylish packaging and a personal message option to complete the perfect gift.