Grown and made in Opaki, just north of Masterton, this gently fruited velvety-plush pinot boasts a hit of sweet rosehip tea, ripe cherry and smooth, slippery raspberry notes on the finish. For lovers of sweet fruit and soft spices, this will absolutely hit the mark with a spicy warm lamb salad. www.paperroad.co.nz
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Black Estate Damsteep Waipara Pinot Noir 2014 $42 ★★★★
The Damsteep vineyard is in organic conversion, which sits nicely with the ethos of pretty much everything at Black Estate. There’s a deeply earthy, very ‘connected’ character in this wine which boasts aromas of sandalwood, cherry, funky spices, smoke, meaty mushroom and truffle. The tannins are present, but ultra-easy, making for a slippery-smooth mouthfeel. www.blackestate.co.nz
Ceres Fifth Bridge Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014 $30 ★★★★
Ceres (seer-ez) is the Roman goddess of Agriculture, and it’s a name which reflects the earth-wise direction of James, Matt and Robin Dicey and their focus on true sustainability. It’s a restrained, elegant style showing layers f leather, dried herbs, cured meats, hints of smoke and juicy, wild cherries on the finish. www.cereswines.co.nz
Scott Base Central Otago Pinot Noir 2015 $38 ★★★★
Here’s an ultra luscious, cherry-soaked pinot that has instantly appealing rosehip, spice and sweet tea perfume followed by a fresh, tangy kick of redcurrant, plum and prickly-soft tannins. The finish is clean and satisfying and seriously fruity; it’s an outstanding accompaniment to slow-braised Moroccan lamb shanks www.allanscott.com
Folding Hill Ballasalla Central Otago Pinot Noir 2015 $32 ★★★★½
Straight away you’ll be struck by the stunning ruby-garnet colour of this Bendigo-grown pinot – but despite the prettiness of the colour, this wine is quick to grip you around the gumline and shake you into submission. Exotic rosehip, cherry and smoked sandalwood aromas lead to a palate packed with rhubarb, cranberry, black tea and … Read More
Crafters Union Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014 $22 (3.5 stars)
So this wine may come in a decidedly non-pinot noir shaped bottle, we here at WineFriend are happy to encourage a little disruption in tradition, especially when it looks so darn cool. Here’s a lighter style with hints of leather and dusty berry and cherry notes on the nose and palate. Fresh and slightly grippy … Read More
Domain Road Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2012 $39 (5 stars)
If a wine could actually shout from the rooftops “I’m Central Otago pinot noir dangnabbit!!” then this would be that wine. I love the lift of rhubarb leaf, juicy cherry, dark plum and tea leaf loveliness in every sniff and the fact that all these flavours osmose onto the palate just adds an extra bit … Read More
Churton Marlborough Pinot Noir 2013
Churton Marlborough Pinot Noir 2013 $44 Biodynamic winegrowing is where the Weaver family of Waihopai Valley excel, so when the winemaker offers to show you his “poo pits” I suggest you accept with a smile because (weirdly) they’re actually rather inspiring. This pinot erupts with bright berries, tangy black tea and sweet dark fruit concentration. … Read More
Nga Waka ‘Lease Block’ Martinborough Pinot Noir 2014
Nga Waka ‘Lease Block’ Martinborough Pinot Noir 2014 $50 ★★★★½ I fell in love with the concentration and intensity of this wine from the very first sip. With so much lush, ripe red fruit and vibrant spices on the nose, you think it’s going to taste over the top and flouncy. However the cocoa, cherry … Read More
Wild South Marlborough Pinot Noir 2015
Wild South Marlborough Pinot Noir 2015 $17 ★★★½ Bright raspberry and cherry aromas leap out of the glass in this super-approachable and super-affordable pinot. Gentle spices, soft plummy fruit and an attractive vein of earthiness on the palate makes this a really easy pinot noir to enjoy at any stage of play. Nice to sip … Read More