Momo Pinot Noir 2023: Tasting Notes

WINE STYLE → Cherry-Scented & Sappy

Momo Pinot Noir 2023 is a bright, generous Marlborough Pinot Noir with cherry, ripe red berries, plum, violet and a little savoury spice. It has more depth than a featherweight Pinot, but still keeps the freshness and fine tannin line that makes this grape so drinkable. Certified organic, vegan suitable and beautifully shaped for food, this is a polished New Zealand Pinot with real charm.

Highlights

• Certified organic and vegan suitable
• Crafted by Momo — the youthful organic-focused range from Seresin Estate in Marlborough
• Cherry, plum, ripe red berry, violet, dried herb and gentle spice
• Wild yeast ferment and minimal-intervention winemaking approach
• 93 points — Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review; 90 points — James Suckling; 4/5 stars — Michael Cooper
• 13.5% ABV

Tasting Notes

Lifted and fragrant with cherry, ripe red berries, plum, violet, cassis, dried herbs and subtle spice. The palate is dry, supple and concentrated for Pinot Noir, with ripe fruit at the centre and a fine structure underneath. Fresh acidity keeps it lively, while firm but well-shaped tannins bring length and balance. The finish is clean, elegant and gently savoury.

Winemaking

Momo Pinot Noir is fermented with wild yeast and made with a minimal-intervention philosophy to preserve varietal character and vineyard expression. The wine is aged with oak influence, listed as 12 months in old oak barriques, which supports the fruit without dominating it. The result is a Pinot Noir with ripe cherry and plum intensity, gentle spice and a composed tannin frame.

Vineyard & Vintage

The fruit comes from Marlborough, New Zealand, a cool-climate region known for aromatic purity, bright natural acidity and expressive Pinot Noir. The 2023 season brought concentration and structure, with ripe cherry and plum flavours supported by firm tannins and a deep core. Organic growing helps place the focus on clean fruit, vineyard health and a more thoughtful expression of place.

Why We Love It

This is a gorgeous step up for drinkers who want Pinot Noir with a little more depth, but not heaviness. It has that cherry-scented Marlborough brightness, plus plum, violet, fine spice and enough tannin to sit beautifully beside food. It is organic, vegan suitable and quietly impressive — the kind of Pinot that works for dinner, gifting or a relaxed long lunch.

Food Pairing

This Pinot Noir has enough fruit and structure for richer dishes, while its fresh acidity keeps it very food-friendly. It suits duck, mushrooms, salmon, roast chicken, earthy vegetables, soft cheeses and lightly spiced dishes.

Try matching this wine with →

• Duck pancakes with plum sauce and spring onion — Find a Recipe
• Mushroom risotto with parmesan and thyme — Find a Recipe
• Miso glazed salmon with greens — Find a Recipe

Mood or occasion to match this wine…

Perfect for a thoughtful dinner at home, roast chicken night, a Pinot-loving friend’s birthday or a long lunch where the food is generous but the wine still needs elegance.

Cellaring

Drink now to 2027. It is already drinking well, with ripe fruit, fine tannin and balanced acidity, but a few more years under good storage will bring softer texture and more savoury spice.

Producer

Momo is the organic-focused range from Seresin Estate in Marlborough, New Zealand. The name Momo means “offspring” in te reo Māori, reflecting its connection to Seresin while giving the wines their own fresh identity. The range focuses on organically grown grapes, honest varietal character and minimal winemaking intervention. Marlborough’s cool nights, clear sunlight and long ripening season help shape Pinot Noir with lifted aromatics, vivid red fruit and naturally bright acidity.

Related Wines To Try →

Love this organic Marlborough Pinot Noir? These are elegant, cherry-fruited and food-friendly wines to explore next.

• Soft organic New Zealand Pinot with ripe cherry and dark fruit — Little Goat Creek Pinot Noir
• Premium biodynamic Tasmanian Pinot with dark cherry and spice — Stefano Lubiana Estate Pinot Noir
• Same Momo family, crisp organic Marlborough white — Momo Sauvignon Blanc

FAQ

What does Momo Pinot Noir 2023 taste like?

Momo Pinot Noir 2023 tastes of cherry, ripe red berries, plum, violet, cassis and gentle spice. It is dry, supple and fruit-driven, with fine tannins and fresh acidity keeping the finish elegant. It is a more generous Marlborough Pinot style without losing Pinot Noir’s natural lift.

Is this Pinot Noir light or full-bodied?

For Pinot Noir, this sits toward medium-plus to full-bodied. It has more fruit weight and concentration than very light Pinot styles, but it is still silky and balanced rather than heavy. The 13.5% alcohol gives it a moderate level of warmth and depth.

Is Momo Pinot Noir organic or preservative-free?

This wine is certified organic and vegan suitable. It is not listed as preservative free, and it contains sulphites. For customers seeking No Added Preservative wines, it is best to browse the preservative-free range.

Does this wine contain sulphites?

Yes, this wine contains sulphites. Most wines contain some naturally occurring sulphites, and many also use added sulphites to protect freshness and stability. Organic wines generally have lower permitted sulphur levels than conventional wines, but this is not a no-added-sulphur wine.

How should I serve this wine?

Serve at around 14–16°C in a large Pinot Noir or Burgundy-style glass. A light chill for 15–20 minutes can make the fruit brighter, especially in warm weather. No heavy decanting is needed, but 10–15 minutes in the glass will help the aromatics open.

What food pairs best with this Pinot Noir?

It pairs beautifully with duck, roast chicken, mushroom risotto, miso salmon, pork, lentils, beetroot, soft cheeses and herb-led dishes. The cherry and plum fruit works well with savoury richness, while the acidity keeps the palate fresh. Vegetarian dishes with mushrooms, thyme, eggplant or roasted root vegetables are excellent matches.

How long will it last after opening?

Once opened, reseal the bottle and store it in the fridge. It is best enjoyed within 2–3 days, as Pinot Noir’s delicate aromatics can fade faster than bigger reds. Let it come back slightly toward cellar temperature before serving again.

Can Momo Pinot Noir 2023 be cellared?

Yes, short-term cellaring is suitable. Drink now to 2027 for a balance of fresh cherry fruit, spice and savoury development. It is not a long-haul cellar wine, but a few years will soften the tannins and add more earthy complexity.

Is this wine vegan friendly?

Yes, Momo Pinot Noir 2023 is vegan suitable. That makes it a helpful choice for mixed tables where organic and vegan-friendly wines are preferred. It is also a lovely match for plant-based dishes built around mushrooms, lentils, herbs and roasted vegetables.

Who will enjoy this wine most?

This wine will suit drinkers who love cherry-fruited, elegant Pinot Noir with a little extra depth. If you enjoy Marlborough Pinot, Central Otago Pinot in a softer style, or light-to-medium reds with red fruit, spice and fine tannins, this is a strong fit. It is also a great option for anyone looking for certified organic Pinot Noir that still has classic polish.

Is this wine keto friendly?

This is a dry red wine, with residual sugar listed at approximately 2 g/L and less than 1 g of sugar per 100 mL. That makes it a lower-sugar option compared with sweeter wines. Suitability depends on individual dietary goals and serving size.

(SKU: MM_PN_CV)