Moko Hills
Kakano Pinot Noir 2024 750ml

Kakano

1. (noun) texture.

2. (noun) grain (in wood, stone, etc.).

3. (noun) colour.

4. (noun) texture (music).

Where the Moko Hills label is about place and identity, Kakano is the subjective interpretation of the texture that creates Moko Hills.  A creative outlet, focusing on the textural experience of the drinker.

Labels were designed with the care and direction of Emma Holder. Artwork was created by Nature itself – textural components of Moko Hills photographed through Donald’s eye, matched specifically to present the interpretation of the wine within.

100% Abel Clone, 100% Whole Bunch Fermentation

Vintage

The 2024 vintage was a stark comparison to the previous rare 3-year long La Nina cycle  -the season started with a significant frost across much of Central Otago. Spring finished warm, with plenty of the classic devigorating NW winds. 

Summer continued the trend with warm, and dry weather. We experienced a rare hail event a week prior to veraison, resulting in even lower crop load - Happy winemaker, grumpy accountant. 

a warm and very dry season with little wind. This was followed by a long protracted dry spell, with plenty of warmth - a warmer than average season.

As a result of the low soil moisture levels, reduced crop load from spring frosts and late season hail event, vines set with very small berries on compact bunches bringing great wine concentration and tannin structure.

The weather began to cool post-veraison, and the season finished off with a cool steady ripening period.

Wine Making

The fruit came from several Pinot Noir clones - Abel, 115, and 5. 100% whole bunch and fermented with natural yeast. Gentle winemaking techniques were used to avoid excessive extraction. 15-20 days on skin, pressed to 100% old French oak barrels. 12 months in barrel, and allowed to undergo malolactic fermentation naturally in spring, before being racked and allowed to naturally settle and integrate in tank.

Bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Hand Harvested: 9th April 2024

Bottled: 15th April 2025

pH: 3.66

TA: 5.64g/L

Alcohol: 14% v/v