Mt Difficulty is one of Central Otago's oldest and most prestigious vineyards. Having tamed the rugged region since 1992, Mt Difficulty produce wines of utmost character and charm. Their Roaring Meg Pinot Noir shows lovely perfumed blackberry and dark cherry fruits along with a hint of spice. On the palate the wine has a sweet berry character along with balanced, ripe textural tannins that rise gracefully out of the mid-palate to finish the wine.

Josef Chromy Pinot Noir has a richness and wholeness that demands attention. Supple tannins with leather and secondary characters abound. A velvety Burgundian style Pinot Noir, with aromas of red fruits and sweet spice with a full rounded palate of rich dark cherry fruit and a balanced blend of toasty oak.

This has the intensity and depth of flavour the Central Otago region is becoming renowned for. Mocha spice, blood plums and dark cherry characters with a seamless, silky texture and fine tannins that will see this develop for several years yet. 'Making good use of the Gibbston, Lowburn and Bendigo sub-regions of Central Otago, this readily available, quality pinot noir is medium-bodied with rhubarb and cranberry fruit. These silky-on-palate fruit aspects are lifted with hints of graphite minerals.' - 92 Points, Courier Mail, Brisbane, 14 Sep 2013, by Alan Hunter.

Aromas of red fruits, violet and blackcurrants combine with black truffle and spice notes. Fine tannins add texture, complemented by ripe red berry characters and lovely integrated oak. Awards:

One of the most exciting discoveries we made from a trip to New Zealand last year. Coal Pit is located in the Gibbston Valley sub region of Central Otago. Perfumed with violets, the nose is lifted and aromatic. Vibrant mid palate of black doris plum, wild herb, coffee and cassis backed by silky tannins and well integrated spicy oak. Take our word for it, you will not regret it..

Onannon is a three-man team comprising close mates Sam Middleton and Kaspar Hermann (both of Mount Mary), and Will Byron of Stonier. This wine is a blend of three vineyards: Onannon's Red Hill site (23-year-old vines, MV6 and 777 clones), plus a site in Shoreham (19-year-old vines, MV6) and one in Merricks North (20-year-old, MV6). Very typical Mornington Peninsula nose with cherry and red berry fruit to the fore, with smoke, a light hint of creamy oak and spice backing, too. Light to medium-bodied, with a nice tug of acid through the palate. The plush red fruit has alluring sweetness complemented by oak and spice. Very Pinot; seamless, composed and complete, this should please all comers.

This has been a leading light for Central Otago for Pinot Noir, displaying perfumed ripeness with piercing clarity; dark fruits of the forest dominate the aroma, underpinned by floral and spice notes. Red fruit aromatics are underpinned by cherry and Christmas cake spice while the palate is well textured.

Cambria was originally part of the Tepusquet Vineyard. Planted between 1970 and 1971, this ambitious venture helped establish Santa Barbara County as a world-class wine producing region. The Cambria portion of property was purchased in 1986 by Barbara Banke. Today, Cambria is still 100% family owned and the wines are 100% estate-grown.Ripe blackberry and blueberry flavors are followed by notes of cranberry, cherry and pomegranate. With a balance of earth and baking spice, this wine offers firm tannins and a long finish.

It’s this trade-off of acid for tannin that makes pinot noir so food friendly. Pinot works well with salmon and ocean trout, their (Omega 3-rich) oiliness lapped up by pinots exuberant acidity and is the perfect red with soft brie-style and washed-rind cheeses, coming into its own with blue cheese. Try a soft Saint Augur cheese from the Auvergne with the Celsius Pinot Noir for a new flavour sensation.

Pegasus Bay is a small family owned winery producing some of New Zealand's best wines, this Pinot and a stunning Sauvignon Blanc Semillon are amongst them. A deep, compelling and multi-faceted Pinot Noir it displays supple, ripe tannins. Drink now or lay it down.