Martinborough Vineyard has released the sixth edition of ‘Marie Zelie’ Reserve Pinot Noir 2019.

Marie Zelie is a rare and coveted fine wine carrying the hallmarks of Martinborough Vineyard’s pioneering style and impeccable reputation. Only produced in outstanding vintages, this 2019 vintage marks only the sixth release of the wine in the past 20 years and the first since 2013.

Martinborough is celebrated internationally for its Pinot Noir. As home to some of the oldest Pinot Noir vines in New Zealand, Martinborough Vineyard has been at the forefront of creating that distinction.

The winery is the one of the leading producers of New Zealand Pinot Noir, “striving for perfection with every vintage,” according to Chief Winemaker, Paul Mason. “I really see myself as the custodian of a long and prestigious tradition of handcrafted excellence at Martinborough Vineyard,” says Paul. 

Parcels from some of New Zealand’s oldest Pinot Noir vines were carefully cultivated by Viticulturist Dave Shepherd, hand-picked, and aged for 13 months in French Oak Barriques. The wine was rested for four years in Martinborough Vineyard’s cellar awaiting it’s anticipated release.

The result is an elegant, sophisticated and seamless wine displaying the finest hallmarks of a great Martinborough Pinot Noir; brooding intensity, richness and depth of flavour.

It is extremely limited in volume with just five barrels selected, resulting in only 1,471 coveted bottles of the 2019 vintage. Paul compares this 2019 release to his 2006 Marie Zelie, which is still drinking exceptionally to this day. So, whilst delicious in its youth, this wine will reward cellaring for many years to come.

A Wine Pioneer
The little-known Marie Zelie Hermance Frere was a genuine local wine pioneer, and her heritage is represented three generations later in the Martinborough Vineyard founding Milne family. Arriving in Wairarapa in 1882, she planted vines to remind her of her French home, making wine until prohibition was adopted in 1908. A century later, Martinborough Vineyard founder Derek Milne married Marie Zelie’s great-great-niece, Margaret.

In 1978, Soil Scientist Derek Milne concluded that Martinborough’s climate was astonishingly similar to Burgundy, France. His vision created a new industry, and the small sleepy district found new life as a unique wine village.

Marie Zelie Reserve Pinot Noir 2019 is tightly allocated and expected to retail at $220 per bottle. This wine will represent a strong proposition to connoisseurs considering it alongside its Burgundian counterparts, having already been awarded 98 Points by top US critic James Suckling. 

“Aromas of dried strawberry, sea shell, lemon peel, and hints of cedar. Hints of salt. Medium to full body. Tannic and so structured with a length and seriousness that is so impressive. Goes on forever. Powerful. Like Musigny. This will age forever.”
– JAMES SUCKLING, 2024

Marie Zelie 2019 is presented in a luxury giftbox and is available from the Foley Wine Club. Or join Martinborough Vineyard’s Chief Winemaker Paul Mason for a special Marie Zelie dinner at The Runholder in Martinborough on Saturday July 27. Tickets via iTICKET.

Recommended Dish Pairings
Based on the flavour notes, we find duck and venison dishes to be the best suited! In particular, we have our Duck Breasts with Balsamic Spiced Cherries, Marsala Braised Duck Legs with Figs, our Spiced Venison Medallions on Creamy Cauliflower Mash, and our Venison Medallions with Red Wine and Berry Pan Sauce.