Hang on to those medal-winning memories by treating yourself to this limited edition, one-off pinot created by Rio Olympic team sponsor Mt Difficulty. Sourced from some of the oldest vineyards in Bannockburn, it’s a sublime marriage of cherries, cocoa-dusted raspberries, ribbon-like tannins, soft spices and succulence on the finish. It’s outstanding. Sip with: roast duck … Read More
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Jules Taylor Marlborough Pinot Noir 2015 $33 ★★★★
If there’s one thing Jules Taylor knows how to do (other than being superwoman) it’s how to craft solid, character-packed pinot noir. Here’s a highly refined, savoury-edged example, with a core of cherry and black doris plum, vanilla and baking spices. Slippery, succulent and with a soft, smoky finish, it’s sexy. Sip with: lamb tagine … Read More
Akitu Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014 $40
Some wines literally grip you around the shoulders and shake you into the realisation that yes; this is what utterly excellent pinot noir tastes like. This bottle does exactly that. I was wowed from the second I poured into the glass by its seductive sandalwood and spice aromas, musky wild cherry, berry and rosehip notes. It’s … Read More
Crown Range Cellar China Girl Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014 $64.90
Handpicked fruit from the Chinamans’ Terrace Vineyard in Bendigo has been crafted by pinot-guru Grant Taylor into a delicate and highly floral wine with clove and cherry characters on the nose and a rich, juicy and youthful palate boasting hints of dried herbs and charred tree bark on the finish. Created to celebrate the hardworking … Read More
Mt. Beautiful Cheviot Hills Pinot Noir 2014 $33
Gorgeous aromas of tamarillo, rooibos tea, craisins and fresh cherry wash across the nose and tastebuds. Cheviot is the sleepy little North Canterbury enclave responsible for this juicy, softly spiced and rather succulent pinot noir, and it even has a hint of red rose and raspberry on the finish. It’s perfumed, plush and seductive. Sip … Read More
Mount Edward Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014 $45
Don’t fret if you’re staring at this wine thinking it’s a little less glossy than others. Be happy because winemakers Duncan Forsyth and Anna Riederer, haven’t fined or filtered it, opting instead to keep the wine in its pure authentic state. A state of black tea, cherry and mixed spice intensity. The palate is tightrope … Read More
Sacred Hill Halo Marlborough Pinot Noir 2015 $27 ★★★★
From the first sip I was pretty much seduced – mainly because I knew that if I were disciplined enough to pop some of this away for another year or three, it’ll turn into something rather triumphant. Poached cherry, cocoa and pepper notes lead to a juicy, berry-driven wine with freshness and decent chew-factor on … Read More
Pruners Reward Waipara Pinot Noir 2013 $25 ★★★★
This is a very snazzy mid-priced label produced by the talented Porter family team at Bellbird Spring. Don’t let the light, brick-red colour fool you, this is quite a dense and complex wine. Scented with wild strawberry, cherry, pot pourri, sandalwood and allspice, plus it has lovely silky texture and deliciously savoury freshness. It’s extremely … Read More
Middle Earth Nelson Pinot Noir 2014 $24 ★★★½
Ryan O’Connell did a very clever-cookie 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 grape growing some years back and the O’Connells were contract growers for big brands until deciding to hold the best fruit and have a … Read More
Johner Estate Moonlight Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2014 $26 ★★★½
Despite the slightly odd label (nipple spikes anyone?) the wine itself is a super-sippable, fruit-soaked, spicy pinot that’ll definitely be a conversation-starter at your next dinner party. Berries, cherries and hints of cocoa, alongside a soft, velvety finish make this a dangerously drinkable pinot that rocks with roast lamb. www.johner-estate.com