Critically Acclaimed New Zealand Pinot Noir

Exclusive to New Zealand Wine Navigator
The critically acclaimed 2018 Mondillo Pinot Noir. 

New Zealand Wine Navigator prides itself on sourcing the most exclusive premium New Zealand wines. We have secured 56 cases of Mondillo’s spectacular 2018 Pinot Noir

Only 2000 cases of this boutique vintage was produced and we are delighted to be able to offer a limited amount exclusively to you.

Exclusive in the USA to New Zealand Wine Navigator.

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The wine

Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas described the 2018 vintage as youthful with charm and elegance… “This is a lovely wine with concentration and length, plenty of wood and persistent finish. It will benefit from cellar time and reward those who have patience.”

“With ripe aromas of dark cherry, black currant and plum, as well as an unmistakable scent of Bendigo suggesting dried herbs, violet and rugged outcrops. The aromas of barrel spice and smoky wood add complexity and depth. This wine has a core of fruit with a savoury spicy edge, firm youthful tannins and acidity with lots of potential to age and integrate over the next few years.”

Winemaker's tasting notes

The 2018 growing season was the warmest on record; with early budburst, a dry summer, and wonderful concentration in the fruit. This vintage shows excellent cellaring potential.

The fruit was hand-harvested mid-March, 100% de-stemmed followed by a long cold maceration, fermented slowly and gently pressed. It has been aged in French oak barriques, of which 30% were new, for 10 months.

The vineyard

Tucked away in Central Otago's historic gold mining region of Bendigo, New Zealand, the Mondillo Vineyard is the perfect place to grow Pinot Noir.

As Founder and Winemaker Domenic Mondillo explains in the video, it is the unique combination of soil, sunshine and location that grows such fine grapes.  

Food pairing

Domenic's Italian heritage is steeped in many generations of cooking great food and making superb wine. He learned the art of drinking wine at his Grandfather’s table fuelling his taste at an early age for combining, and pairing wine and food.

Domenic believes wines are best showcased when paired with fabulous cuisine, and of course, great company. 

5- Stars, Michael Cooper 

Already delicious, the 2018 vintage was estate-grown and hand-harvested at Bendigo and matured in French oak barrels. Full, bright ruby it is ripely scented and mouth-filling with concentrated cherry, plum, and spice flavors, seasoned with nutty oak. Excellent complexity and a supple, very harmonious finish. Drink now or cellar. 

95/100, Bob Campbell MW

Dense. ripe, luscious Bendigo Pinot Noir with plum, dark berry, licorice, and spicy oak flavors. Best drinking from 2021 to 2028

94/100, Cameron Douglas MS

Youthful varietal and precise bouquet with ripe aromas of dark cherry, black currant and plum with an unmistakable scent of Bendigo, suggesting dried herbs, violet and rugged outcrops. This is a lovely wine with concentration and length. 

17.5/20, Joelle Thomson

This is a lovely expression of Pinot Noir from the Deep South of New Zealand.