Matt’s one of the region’s most highly awarded winemakers and this is his solo pinot project after tenure at Olssens and Akarua. Produced from fruit grown in Bendigo and Lowburn, it’s bottled with a label designed by Taranaki artist Andrew J Steel, whose depicted Matt’s ‘meaningful things’ (expect dogs, fish, goats, guns etc..) Oozing savoury … Read More
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Sileni Estates Springstone Hawke’s Bay Pinot Noir 2015 $35 (4 stars)
Here’s a bold, plump pinot noir weighing in at 14.5% alcohol (high for pinot noir), yet its super lithe, succulent and balanced that it maintains elegance and poise despite having broad shoulders. Classic cherry and spice characters wash with a hint of cola and cocoa and leave a long, fleshy finish. Nicely made and classy … Read More
Akarua Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2016 $43
Crafted from fruit sourced from their Felton Road and Cairnmuir vineyards, after all the medals this wine has hauled in, it deserves to be given ‘national treasure’ status surely. Clove, mace, baked cherry, anise and buckets of bouncy, plush acidity and cuddly, furry tannins make this a ‘must try before you die’ wine. It’s darn … Read More
Silver Wing Waipara Pinot Noir 2013 $36 (4.5 stars)
Crafted with wild yeasts and as little preservative as possible, this pinot has an earthy, smoky note from being aged in French oak barrels for 19 months, 15% of which were brand new. Chock full of cocoa, red cherry and rhubarb, it’s got real pluck and power behind it, making it a seriously tasty product … Read More
Momo Organic Marlborough Pinot Noir 2015 $24 (4.5 stars)
Just becaue it’s not bright and glossy-looking, don’t let that stop you from leaping into this gorgeous wine. It’s simply un-fined and unfiltered and made as naturally as you can. Aromatically it heaves with hibiscus rosehip, cherry and cranberry, while on the palate it’s a tsunami of taste. Mixed spices, cocoa, raspberry and silky saturation … Read More
Mahana Nelson Pinot Noir 2014 $39.50 (4.5 stars)
Certified organic and produced biodynamically, this pinot has a cloudy appearance due to it not being filtered or fined therefore it’s filled with flavour, the whole flavour and nothing but the flavour. Soft, elegant, truffle-edged and earthy, I love the baked cherry and raspberry layers – fine-grained tannins and fluttery length. It’s got gravitas for … Read More
Fox by John Belsham Marlborough Pinot Noir 2015 $26
This is a classic ‘berries and cream’ pinot noir, packed with pomegranate, red cherry and raspberry on the nose and palate. However there’s also this really curious aroma of roasting pan juices and savoury, spicy notes in the background, all followed by a wave of super-fruitiness again on the finish. It’s a lithe, luscious pinot … Read More
Tarras The Canyon Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014 $59
Just ten years on from launching his Tarras label, Hayden Johnston knows the trophy cabinet is already in need of reinforcement, groaning under the weight of increasingly hefty hauls of trophies and medals for his left-of-centre style of pinot noir. The canyon has a distinctly meaty personality, black tea and toast notes, alongside comforting cherries … Read More
Pa Road Marlborough Pinot Noir 2015 $16.99 (3.5 stars)
Here’s a great little introduction into Marlborough pinot noir, crafted by the McDonald family and the talented team at Te Pa Wines. It’s spicy, juicy, loaded with cherry and savoury, hedgerow fruits and has an earthy, slightly suede-like finish. Sip with classic, rosemary and garlic-studded roast lamb. www.thegoodwine.co.nz
Fairhall Downs Marlborough Pinot Noir 2016 $35 (5 stars)
New favourite alert! This pinot noir is absolutely heaving with ultra-juicy cherry boysenberry, raspberry and masses of spice. It’s generous, plush and silky-smooth to drink. Plus it’s got pluck and personality and that’s exactly why your glass will be almost impossible to put down. www.fairhalldowns.co.nz