This wine won the trophy for Best New Zealand Pinot Noir at the International Wine Challenge in London last week. How appropriate that a pinot named after one of the sexiest capital cities in the world, also has a distinct lift of tobacco leaf and cigar box on the nose and palate. Combine this wine … Read More
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Seresin Son and Moon Marlborough Pinot Noir 2013 $125
Organic, biodynamic and vegan-friendly, this gorgeous pinot noir smells like baking spices and sweet, dark cocoa dusted over caramelized plums served in a bowl carved from oak. Seresin’s flagship pinot, the ‘purest expression’ they can make, is intense in the mouth, with high acidity and muscular, supple tannins. The length of flavour is persistent, brooding … Read More
Akarua RUA Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016 $25
Hugely spicy on the nose and palate, this shiny new southern star is heaving with hedgerow fruits, ripe cherry and berry notes, layers of leaf litter and sweet, succulent raspberry tea flavours. Soft, sandy tannins add extra complexity. Sip with: Shredded Duck Burgers www.glengarrywines.co.nz
Maude Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014 $36
If you’re a sucker for colour saturation then this will have you ogling. Ultra-bright and boasting incredibly pure aromas of rosehip tea, fresh cherry and raspberry leaf, it’s a floral and fabulous pinot. Super-succulent and plumped up with plums, dried herbs and complex, spicy layers, this is a Central Otago stunner. Sip with: Duck a-la-anything … Read More
Middle Earth Nelson Pinot Noir 2014 $24
Ryan O’Connell did a very clever thing naming his wines after the Tolkien-inspired locale, because now they’re a firm favourite with hobbit fans. The 50-year-old family dairy farm was converted to grapegrowing some year’s back and they contract grew for big brands until deciding to hold the best fruit and have a crack at bottling … Read More
Chard Farm Mata-Au Lowburn Pinot Noir 2014 $47
Chard Farm are an aristocrat amongst Antipodean pinot producers, and there’s a reason for that. It’s all about elegance and balance at Chard even in a brand new pinot like this. Very pretty, with hints of cherries and cream, succulent spices, lifted dried herb and cranberry characters, it’s a wine it’s a concentrated, layered and … Read More
Main Divide Te Hau Reserve Waipara Pinot Noir 2014 $33
With its gently juicy strawberry and raspberry characters on the nose, pillowy-fresh palate feel edged with cherry and softly clinging tannins, it’s a dangerously easy to drink pinot. Produced by the talented team at Pegasus Bay, the Te Hau has hints of smoke and game meats followed by luxurious length of flavour. Sip with: tuna … Read More
Odyssey Reserve Iliad Marlborough Pinot Noir 2014 $42
Certified organic, this Rebecca Salmond-crafted pinot is awash with black fruits, pomegranate and cranberry characters alongside a super-juicy, softly spiced, gentle texture and plush, fulsome fresh cherry, raspberry and tealeaf flavours on the finish. Sip with: Portobello mushroom mousse www.odysseywines.co.nz
Escarpment Pahi Martinborough Pinot Noir 2014 $65
The fruit that goes into Pahi comes from 30 year old vines growing on the tiny ‘McReanor’ block on Princess Street in Martinborough. Maturity is key with pinot noir, and under the wizard-like guidance of Larry McKenna (or McPinot to his mates) the wine bursts with mixed spice, rhubarb, black tea, cocoa and sandalwood notes. … Read More
Sileni Exceptional Vintage Hawke’s Bay Pinot Noir 2013 $70
Hawke’s Bay could easily prove itself a powerhouse pinot region if wines like this become the norm. The silty clay and gravel soils of their vineyards have produced an intensely concentrated, pot-pourri scented pinot that unleashes a tsunami of red fruits, earthy spices, tea and rosehip flavours. Seductive and saucy. Sip with: lamb steaks and … Read More