Church Road McDonald Series Pinot Noir

Church Road McDonald Series Pinot Noir shows dark berries and plum on the nose with cracked black pepper, dried herbs and earthy notes. The palate is medium-bodied with plush tannins and a core of dark berry fruit, offering impressive texture and balance. The finish is smooth and lingering with persistent berry notes and gentle spice.

This Pinot Noir comes from Hawke's Bay, one of New Zealand's most celebrated wine regions on the North Island. Church Road, established in 1897, is one of New Zealand's oldest wineries and operates as a standalone entity focused entirely on producing quality Hawke's Bay wines. The McDonald Series honours Tom McDonald, who took over the winery in 1920 at just 19 years old.

Church Road McDonald Series Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with roasted duck, slow-cooked lamb, or earthy mushroom risotto. The wine's savoury profile and plush tannins complement rich poultry, game meats and earthy vegetable dishes. The dark berry fruit and gentle spice also work well with charcuterie and aged cheeses.

This Pinot Noir complements dishes with earthy, savoury flavours such as roasted root vegetables, wild mushroom pasta, or herb-crusted rack of lamb. The wine's medium body and silky texture also pair well with salmon, tuna steaks, or duck confit.

Serve Church Road McDonald Series Pinot Noir lightly chilled at 14-16u00b0C to showcase its aromatic complexity and silky texture. Use a Burgundy glass with a wide bowl to allow the dark berry and spice aromatics to open fully. No decanting is necessary, though 15-20 minutes of breathing can enhance the wine's earthy character.