June 2010 sees the release of our, already award wining, 2009 Pinot Noir and Riesling vintages!
Our vineyard at Bendigo is proving to be a truly exciting and wonderful grape growing area. Located in Central Otago, New Zealand’s southern most wine region, this area is unique in being the country’s only continental climate.
Our Pinot Noir has kept its traditional darkness in colour, with plums & spicy characters, while the limited release Riesling, will again please those who enjoy a dry style with a citrusy, honey intensity. Both wines make ideal companions to a wide range of foods, or indulge and drink them on their own!
Enjoy the wines now, or with careful cellaring for up to 5 years.
Mondillo 2009 Riesling
Dry & citrusy, with hint of honey...
Four Stars, Winestate Magazine July/August 2010 Edition
Michael Cooper Review
Showing excellent intensity, this is a medium-bodied Bendigo wine with citrusy, slightly limey flavours, slightly sweet and youthful. Tightly structured, with a firm acid spine, a hint of honey, and a long, tight finish, it’s well worth cellaring.
Mondillo 2009 Pinot Noir
Richness of cherry & spice flavours...
Cameron Douglas Master Sommelier
Nose: Refined, delicate, feminine and fruit-laden expression. A complex package of fruit and soil aromas (Otago schist and quartz) along-side dark and light red fruits with cherry and thyme. Palate: Complexity with a varietal core, balanced and reflective of the youthful aromas. A young wine with a big future.
Five Stars, Winestate Magazine July/August 2010 Edition
Invitingly deep in colour, this youthful Bendigo red is beautifully perfumed, mouthfilling, sweet-fruited and supple. It’s an almost hedonistic wine, with a compelling richness of cherry, plum and spice flavours, finely balanced oak, and silky, ripe tannins. Best drinking mid-2011 Michael Cooper Review
Recommended by WineNZ Winter 2010
“Pinot Noir - a Delicate Balance” Named in the top 6 New Zealand Pinot Noirs - Over $30 List
Nose and palate are both pretty and vibrant with tons of youthful, juicy, fruit flavours of choc-cherry, blackberry and current. This full-bodied Pinot shows concentration and depth on the palate and is very well balanced too with a touch of cherry oak and restrained alcohol.
Hospitality Magazine June 2010
Food & Wine Match - Mondillo 2009 Pinot Noir
Three small courses in quick succession: cream of artichoke coup with a dash of white truffle oil; a single lamb cutlet on a bed of straw and oyster mushrooms; medallion of pork with crispy shin with a wedge of Dijon mustard apple strudel.
Five Stars, TizWine.com
“The Mondillo wines from Bendigo in Central Otago are creating quite a name for themselves. This latest Pinot Noir is at least as good as any of its predecessors. Yes it is very young BUT it already displays beautiful berry aromas with wonderful fruit weight, sweetness and concentration combined with bold oak and silky tannins. If this does not win multiple gold medals then we will eat our collective hats!”
Mondillo 2008 Pinot Noir – Sorry, Sold Out!
2008 - the best growing season Central Otago has ever seen.
This perfect vintage has produced an elegant, feminine wine with supple flavours of boysenberry, sweet dark plums, intertwined with a touch of spice and silky tannins. Hand harvested in April 2008 in perfect weather conditions, our wine is produced with a combination of Pommard and Dijon clones, each of which were fermented individually. The fruit was 100% de-stemmed followed by a cold maceration before being inoculated followed by a post fermentation maceration, pressed and put to barrel for 11 months. The Oak regime that is used is 100% French Oak, consisting of 30% new, 30% one year old, and 40% two years and older. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation, was fined with egg white, and bottled. Vintage Released: June 2009.
- Winegrower: Domenic Mondillo
- Vineyard Location: Bendigo, Central Otago
- Harvested: April 2008
- Bottled: March 2009
- Alc: 14.5%
Wine Reviews
TROPHY - Champion Wine of the Show
O-I New Zealand Trophy, Royal Easter Show Wine Awards
TROPHY - Champion Pinot Noir
New Zealand WineGrower Magazine Trophy, Royal Easter Show Wine Awards
Royal Easter Show Wine Awards - GOLD Medal
An indication of the extent to which New Zealand’s winemakers have raised their quality bar has been the increase of top medal awards in the first day of judging at the 2010 Royal Easter Show Wine Awards in Auckland yesterday. The newly appointed chair of judges, Kate Radburnd comments: “The gold medal wines are top class by the highest international standards.“ Five panels judged 1517 wines, from which they awarded 102 gold medals, 222 silver medals and 551 bronze medals was awarded. Report from Director: Terry Dunleavy.
Mondillo 2008 Pinot Noir was awarded a GOLD MEDAL
New Zealand International Wine Show - GOLD MEDAL
Smoky and savoury with big rich spicy flavours, a silky seamless texture, cherry liqueur, chocolate, dried herbs and a long gentle finish.
Winestate Magazine - GOLD Five Stars
Graceful, silky, single-vineyard red, grown at Bendigo. Rich and supple, with sweet-fruit delights, excellent depth of cherry/plum flavours and well-integrated oak.
Finely crafted and already drinking well.
WineNZ Magazine
Very deep in colour. Dark and dense on the nose. Bold, robust, velvety, sweet blackberry fruit up front. Vanilla and spice with a little forest floor. Really pretty oak in support all in a very creamy textured palate. Tannins are well handled - Something special!
Cuisine Magazine - November 2009 - 4 STARS
“Elegant and balanced - I love the balance”, Andrew Parkinson.
This dense, toasty, dark-cherried Pinot with its firm, virile personality is made from Bendigo fruit.
London International Wine Show - Silver Medal
Air New Zealand Wine Awards - Pure Silver Medal
Industry Accolades
Prince William – NZ Royal Tour finishes with Mondillo Pinot Noir!
Prince William’s royal tour to New Zealand in February 2010 finished with an al fresco evening in Wellington.
New Zealand’s Prime Minister John Key, singers Hayley Westenra and Elizabeth Marvelly, All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, Rodney Hide, Pita Sharples and former Prime Minister Jenny Shipley, were among the guests that dined in style under the direction of chef Ruth Pretty. Deutz, Neudorf Chardonnay, Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, The Ned Pinot Gris and Mondillo 2008 Pinot Noir was selected to accompany the food & celebrations!
Air New Zealand – International Flights
Mondillo 2007 & 2008 Pinot Noir - Selected for pouring onboard International Business Class Flights.
The French Laundry, Napa Valley, USA
Mondillo Pinot Noir - Selected for exclusive restaurant wine list.
Mondillo 2008 Riesling – Sorry, Sold Out!
Our 2008 Riesling was selectively hand harvested from our two Riesling sites located at Mondillo Vineyards in Bendigo after a quintessential growing year! This dry style, with only 5.5 g/l residual sugar, is an excellent everyday drink and food wine.
WINE REVIEW – Cameron Douglas Master Sommelier
Star bright with light green, pale straw hues in the glass. The nose is of medium intensity of soil, air then citrus fruit aromas, apple, lemonade and white flower highlights. The palate is dry, youthful, mild yeast lees, crisp apple and lemonade flavours, followed by grapefruit. In its youth an aperitif wine with a crisp sugar finish. Very Good!
- Harvested: April 2008
- Bottled: August 2008
- Vintage Released: May 2009
- Alc: 13.5%
Production: Limited Release of 150 cases
Mondillo 2007 Pinot Noir – Sorry, Sold Out!
Our 2007 Pinot Noir was selectively hand harvested on the 2 April 2007
after a cool spring which resulted in small berries, hence low yields.
Tasting Notes
- Colour: The wine in the glass displays a deep, rich crimson, plum colour.
- Nose: The nose displays sweet, spicy cherry aromas up front and soft oak which taper off into blackberry and plums.
- Palate: The palate is bold with hints of boysenberry, sweet dark berry fruits, toasted oak and chocolate, balanced by soft tannins, resulting in a lush, full mouth finish.
- Cellar: This Pinot Noir is drinking beautifully now. Alc: 14.5%.
Wine Reviews
Gold Five Stars - Winestate Magazine
Michael Cooper
A standout. Estate-grown at Bendigo, it is deeply coloured, beautifully scented and overflowing with cherry and plum flavours. Exuberantly fruity, with integrated oak, it is vibrant, sweet-fruited and supple, with arresting depth through the palate.
WineNZ - Winter 2008
Colin Ford, John Buchanan and Corey Hall
"The Mondillo 2007 Pinot Noir has a palate that is vibrant, ripe and fruity. Lifted cherry and currants with a touch of smoke. Dense and concentrated. Sweet with a minerally finish - nice."
F & B Magazine - Winter 2008
Peter Saunders
"The Mondillo 2007 Pinot Noir is 14.5 per cent alcohol, ripe fruit, smooth in its tones and very drinkable in its youth. A warm pinot ready to serve, food-friendly with chicken, veal and lamb; beef also can work with the generosity of fruit."
Mondillo 2006 Pinot Noir – Sorry, Sold Out!
Our 2006 Pinot Noir was selectively hand harvested on the 23 March 2006
after an excellent growing season. A warm spring followed by a
perfect flowering resulted in an even fruit set of uniformed clusters.
The wine was aged 12 months in French oak barrels and bottled on 30 March 2007.
Tasting Notes
- Colour: The wine in the glass displays an intense rich crimson, plum colour.
- Nose: The nose blends soft oak with sweet cherry aromas up front, which taper off into strawberries, raspberries and plums.
- Palate: The palate is subtle with hints of black cherry, sweet dark berry fruits, toasted oak, balanced by supportive tannins, resulting in a lingering finish.
- Cellar: This youthful Pinot Noir is drinking beautifully now with cellaring recommended (3-5 years).
Wine Reviews
Decanter UK Magazine – Highly Recommended
September 2008 – Decanter Pinot Noir Guide
Decanter held it's Pinot Noir tasting in September, reviewing New Zealand Pinot Noir in terms of the ‘terroir’ and current vintages.
Mondillo 2006 Pinot Noir was judged ‘4 stars, highly recommended’ by the tasting panel - an outstanding result! Described as "Toasty, coffee, citrus oak and loads of raspberries. Very intense and balanced with round textures still vibrant tannins and long at finish". The Decanter panel believe that wines coming from our region (Bendigo) are ‘hotter, drier and much more consistent’ and produce ‘bigger fruits, richer textures and, often, more alcohol’ - statements we very much agree with based on our previous vintages.
Their belief is that the ‘2006 vintage is excellent, classically balanced, with a forward-drinking style’ and that the ‘2007 vintage is also an excellent year, concentrated, opulent and structured for cellaring’.
Air New Zealand Wine Awards
14th November 2007 – PURE ELITE GOLD MEDAL
Organised by New Zealand Winegrowers, the awards attracted 1,540 entries this year. With a new chair of judges, Steve Smith, Master of Wine (MW), and an increased international judging line-up, the highly-experienced judging panel this year awarded 83 gold medals, 227 silver medals and 364 bronze medals.
Only three pure elite gold medals were awarded this year, recognising outstanding quality, where the wine received between 19-20 points by the judges – one to these went to the Mondillo 2006 Pinot Noir. The judges noted that the Mondillo Pinot Noir 2006 is "dense, rich, savoury and spicy with silk-lined velvety tannins and plush fruit. Expressive."
Pinot Noir was awarded 16 gold medals, a record in this class. Mr Smith believes New Zealand continues to show strength in this increasingly popular varietal.
"The 2006 vintage was fantastic." Mr Smith said
New Zealand International Wine Show
October 2007 – GOLD MEDAL
With 2155 entries, the 2007 New Zealand International Wine Show became the largest wine competition ever held in New Zealand, and, in fact one of the largest international wine shows in the southern hemisphere.
Following several excellent vintages, a host of top quality wines were entered with the judges finding 163 wines worthy of gold medal status.
Bob Campbell MW led the Judging Team of John Hancock, Peter Cowley, Larry McKenna, Phil Brodie, Jane Skilton MW, Warren Gibson, Raymond Chan, David Webster, Kay Morganty, Oliver Masters, Sue Courtney, Sam Kim, Corey Ryan, Rod McDonald, Alastair Maling MW, Evert Nijzink, Ben Dugdale, John Buchanan, Ant McKenzie, Terry Copeland and Simon Waghorn.
"Mondillo Central Otago Pinot Noir 2006 is 100% estate grown fruit from the warmer Bendigo sub region of Central Otago has resulted in a dense, rich, savoury mouthful with plush, lush blackberry and plum emerging from behind the tightness of the youthful, silk-lined velvety tannins. Long and savoury with lashing of sweet spices, it looks a long term prospect."
Cuisine Magazine - November 2007 – 4 STARS
Mondillo 2006 Pinot Noir received 4 stars (rated excellent) when Cuisine Magazine held it's New Zealand Pinot Noir tasting.
The tasting panel consisted if international wine judge John Belsham, Steve Smith MW, Sarah-Kate Dineen and associate judge Jane Boyle.
Steve Smith MW described the recent event as "one of the most exciting tastings I've ever been involved in". The Mondillo Pinot Noir 2006 reviewed as a boutique wine from Bendigo, this shows real presence, captivating the senses with its "brooding energy". Sweet-edged and densely flavoured.
Recommended by Cuisine Magazine.
WineNZ - August 2007
Mondillo 2006 Pinot Noir received a glowing evaluation from the judges at the recent WineNZ Magazine ‘Pinot Perfection' tasting, describing it as “Dark and opulent.... soft, luxurious and generous in the mouth.... oak to match the plush, plummy fruit flavours.... tannins are huge.” This fabulous wine will intertwine beautifully with a year or two cellaring and “come together well”.
Mondillo 2007 Riesling
Our 2007 Riesling was carefully hand harvested from the terrace overlooking the Bendigo valley. After years of growing award winning grapes for others, we decided to launch our own Mondillo Riesling under the watchful eye of one of Central Otago's most noted and respected winemakers, Rudi Bauer. This dry style (4 g/l residual sugar) is an excellent summer drink and food lovers wine.
Tasting Notes
- Colour: The wine in the glass displays a clear, light golden, greenish hue.
- Nose: The nose is full of fresh limes and preserved lemons, which blend into a sweet honeysuckle bouquet.
- Palate: The palate expresses classic cool climate Riesling characteristics of lime, peaches, tropical fruits and complemented with a crisp lingering finish.
- Cellar: Enjoy this wine or in years to come - Salute!
Cellaring recommended (3-5 years).
Wine Reviews
Air New Zealand Wine Awards
14th November 2007 – PURE BRONZE MEDAL
Riesling was a stand-out performer this year that chair of judges, Steve Smith, describes as the latest New Zealand wine to watch. "This is an exciting wine variety with this year's winners showing a range in style from the bone dry to the elegant and lower alcohol wines that have an opportunity to be come classics," he said.
The Mondillo 2007 Riesling won a Pure Bronze Medal at this years awards, another wine groing from strength the strength.
New Zealand International Wine Show
October 2007 – BRONZE MEDAL
Mondillo Central Otago Riesling 2007 is 100% estate grown fruit from Bendigo Central Otago. Sweet honey flavours on the nose with a dry lingering finish - there is excitement with so many of the top wines being recent releases.
Wine Reviews from Previous Vintages
WineNZ - July/August 2006
WineNZ magazine recently held a blind tasting of over 80 top New Zealand Pinot Noirs, where the 2005 Mondillo Pinot Noir was awarded joint first place with the 2004 Villa Maria Reserve Pinot Noir in the over $30.00 category.
"When it came to choosing the top wine, two Pinots scored very highly and we felt it was only fair to award joint first place. The 2005 Mondillo Pinot Noir, from Central Otago, showed that the combination of a great site and a fantastic winemaker is unbeatable. Rudi Bauer has long championed Bendigo, a small sub region overlooking Lake Dunstan, and, as consultant winemaker to Mondillo, he has produced a stunning wine, luxurious and highly aromatic."
The wine is "intense, almost opaque purple. Very youthful and tight on the nose but the palate is open and forward showing a delightful combination of plum, currant and berry. Not too much oak, which allows the sweet fruit, flavours to shine. Very opulent and silky with a lovely savoury twist of tannin on the finish…. a decadent quality."
"A very exciting Pinot from a winery I shall be looking out for in the future"
Jane Skilton MW
Romeo Bragato Wine Awards 2006
Mondillo Pinot Noir Receives Gold Medal
This year´s Romeo Bragato Wine Awards were held in Queenstown, New Zealand on Saturday August 26. Held in conjunction with the annual grape and wine industry Romeo Bragato Conference, the Bragato Wine Awards are unique as the only industry awards that recognise the quality of the grape and the contribution of the grape grower.
Chairman of Judges, Ivan Donaldson, said that the overall quality at this year´s competition was extremely high with judges particularly focusing on aroma, flavour, concentration and balance in the wine. “In this competition, we were looking for well-flavoured wines with good structure and balance, which means the wine came from high quality, ripe grapes,” he said.
Four Central Otago wine growers of Pinot Noir won gold this year. Wine grower Domenic Mondillo, whose vineyard is located at Bendigo, was one of the recipients for his ‘Mondillo 2005 Pinot Noir’.
