Moko Hills

'Kakano' Pinot Noir 2024

By day, Donald van der Westhuizen consults as a viticulturist for estates across Central Otago. The rest of his time goes to Moko Hills, his own tiny label, where he is vineyard manager, winemaker and caretaker all in one. Made in minute quantities from the schist-rich slopes of Bendigo, the wines quickly caught attention, and Moko Hills was a top-three finalist for The Real Review’s New Zealand Rising Star of the Year in 2025. Kakano is the label’s creative side, focused on texture and the drinker’s experience. It’s made mostly from the Abel clone, fermented as 100% whole bunches with wild yeast. Small berries from a warm, dry, frost- and hail-affected 2024 season gave real concentration: perfumed red cherry, raspberry and spice, with fine tannins, bright acidity and a clean, mineral finish.