Mount Riley Pinot Noir 2023 Wine Review

Natalie's Score: 94/100

Mount Riley Pinot Noir from Marlborough offers fragrant wild raspberry, dark cherry, dried thyme and a whisper of toasted oak. It's dry and medium-bodied with silky tannins and bright acidity that keeps the wine fresh and food-friendly. Serve it slightly below room temperature alongside herb-crusted roast chicken where the wine's savory notes and smooth texture complement the crispy skin and tender meat, or pair it with grilled pork chops topped with cherry compote where the wine's fruit intensity echoes the sweet-tart sauce while cutting through the richness. Winemaker Matt Murphy, who honed his craft at prestigious Craggy Range for seven years before joining this family operation, crafts this Pinot Noir from fruit grown across Mount Riley's ten sustainably-farmed vineyards in Marlborough's diverse subregions, including fruit from their warmest Waihopai site and their cooler 17 Valley vineyard which often produces their most elegant expressions. Founded in 1992 when fifth-generation Marlborough resident John Buchanan left his corporate job to return to his family's roots, Mount Riley remains firmly family-owned with John's daughter Amy managing operations and her husband Matt leading winemaking, and their 17 Valley Pinot Noir earned Gold at the 2020 Marlborough Wine Show while the winery has collected 19 Gold medals at the New World Wine Awards since 2008, making it the third most awarded winery in that competition's history. Enjoy this elegant Pinot Noir through 2027.

Pinot Noir food pairings: barbecue roasted herbed chicken, roast beef, brisket, turkey, pork tenderloin.

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This Mount Riley Pinot Noir 2023 was reviewed on March 7, 2026 by Natalie MacLean

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Please note that our reviews are based on a variety of sources: samples sent to our team, those we purchase in store, tasting events, those tasted in restaurants and while traveling domestically and internationally.

Recipes for Mount Riley Pinot Noir 2023

• Autumn Pear And Pumpkin Bisque
• Avocado and Papaya Salad
• Balsamic Grilled Radicchio with Shaved Pecorino
• Basic Basil Pesto
• Chef Cosmo’s Zucchini and Red Onion Frittata alla Pisa
• More recipes...