Tightly structured and made for the long haul. Freycinet Pinot Noir has the classic dark cherries and forest berries aroma with balanced acidity on the palate.

Dalrymple Vineyards was established in 1987. Situated in the heart of the Pipers River region of north-eastern Tasmania, almost equidistant from Launceston, Scottsdale and George Town. Dalrymples own vines are planted on sloping hills that overlook Bass Strait, and they also have access to vineyards in other parts of the State. This Single Site Pinot Noir comes from the Coal River Valley, just outside Hobart.

From vines yielding less than 1 tonne/acre, 100% whole bunch, natural yeast ferment, 100% new oak. A powerful and structural Pinot Noir by Lethbridge. An unusual presentation of the MV6 clone in the Estate vineyard produces fruit of great density of flavour, and very low yield (0.5 tonnes/acre). This wine was fermented with 100% whole bunch inclusion and had pre-fermentation maceration for 7-10 days. Wild yeast fermentation in small open vats proceeded with daily pigéage. Pressing was straight to barrel (100% new French oak) to allow for gross lees contact and natural MLF.

Giant Steps is a complex Pinot Noir with terrific varietal character. The nose shows rose petal, dark cherry and tomato leaf aromas and the palate is fleshy but tight, with savoury, dusty notes and silky tannins.

Yabby Lake's approach to viticulture and winemaking is peerless; lifted red fruits, silky mid-palate with undergrowthy nuances, and extended finish mean a wine with class written all over it.

Big, bold and full of all the black fruits, namely cherries, the Super Nanny is tempered with subtle notes of leather, spice and oak. Fine tannins and juicy acidity join forces to give it a long, clean finish. Super Nanny loves gamey red meats, so try it with duck or venison in particular.

Burn Cottage Vineyard Moonlight Race Pinot Noir. A myriad of mulberry, wild thyme and enticing savoury undertones are interwoven with layers of ripe summer berries. The palate displays both generosity and restraint, with plump and supple tannins that are supported by an amalgam of summer ripened plums, dark cherry and a freshness reminiscent of ripe red fruits. The finish is long, the wine showing lovely fruit purity and definition.

As often happens with Calvert, the nose when young is slightly muted and more direct than exotic; pure and fine aromas, not bold and lush. The palate follows on accordingly, with clarity of fruit, roses and florals. Focussed, concentrated yet pure in the mid-palate, with its hallmark mineral texture, its firm but ultimately juicy on the finish. The vines are growing up and were seeing the puppy-fat turn to muscle.

This superb Pinot Noir shows what heights can be reached when modestly priced wines are produced in outstanding vintages. Expect a red and dark cherry fragrance with a hint of spice. It's light bodied with earthy flavours of red berries delivered with finesses one of the finest producers of the 'Fronsac' appellation. Predominantly Merlot, there's supreme depth of dark fruit, together with the 'polished' structure so synonymous with the 2012 vintage.