This wine highlights the slightly cooler season with lovely perfumed dark red forest berries and cherry fruits along with a hint of dried herb, adding complexity. The wine has a sweet berry entry which displays these same characters in abundance. Lovely ripe textural tannins rise gracefully out of the mid-palate to finish the wine. These are balanced by the wines acidity and fruit, to produce a long fruit-driven finish.

Dark cherry, violet and cinnamon spice aromas complement red fruit, chocolate and subtle spice flavours on the palate. The fruit flavours are framed with supple tannins and a core of juicy acidity. This wine is immediately enjoyable but will continue to drink well for the next eight years if you can wait that long.

On the nose you are greeted by an appealing melange of powdered ginger, yellow rose petal, jasmine and freshly cut apple. The palate is crisp yet textural, with a core of juicy nashi pear and pink lady apple. A gentle whisp of tannin mid palate leads on to a fresh, satisfyingly dry finish. Crossbreed is our way of blurring the lines between traditionally accepted blends and varietal expressions. By co-fermenting on skins, we have sought to create a deliciously textural wine with intriguing aromatics and a light blush of colour.

Situated 45 degrees south and influenced by the striking mountains, rivers and lakes, Central Otago experiences all four seasons. This seasonal variability combined with low fertility free draining soils, provides the ideal “tension” required to grow outstanding Pinot Noir. For Mumm Central Otago Blanc De Noirs, 100% Pinot Noir grapes were hand harvested entirely from grower owned vineyards, located in differing sub-regions of Central Otago (45% Tarras, 27% Alexandra, and 22% Gibbston Valley). Grapes were whole bunch pressed extracting juice in the gentlest manner, preserving the fruit’s natural elegance. Parcels were fermented separately using natural wild fermentation or traditional Champagne yeast, in either seasoned French Oak cuves or stainless steel and left on ferment lees whilst undergoing full malolactic fermentation. The extended lees contact contributes to the aromatic complexity and the malolactic fermentation softens the acidity to add richness to the palate. Assemblage of the final blend consists of carefully selected components of Pinot Noir which show strength and intensity. A carefully selected amount of aged reserve wines were blended to add extra complexity, before secondary fermentation. The result is a cuvée that showcases the purity of aroma and flavour balanced by vibrant natural acidity, giving the wine brightness and elegance. • Gift Box pictured may not be available for all online orders.

Dedicated solely to perfecting the variety, Black Grape Society have come mightily close to Pinot perfection with this Cromwell Basin sourced beauty. Deep and rich in flavour and colour, the juicy plum, cherry and blackberry palate make way for a ripe savoury finish.

You are greeted on the nose with suggestions of bramble and spice, gradually opening up to reveal red and black berry fruits, spice, leather and subtle floral notes.The palate is soft and supple, with cranberries and sweet red berry fruits upon entry. Fine silky tannins entwine a concentrated core of juicy black cherries, dark berry fruits, dried herbs and cocoa before trailing off to a long even finish.

Martinborough is considered by many as the home of Pinot Noir - not only in New Zealand but the 'New World' in general. It is hard to argue when wines like this are produced. Pinot Noir superstar, Larry McKenna, hand-crafts a wine that is overflowing with perfumed black, red and green fruit flavours that are all in harmony with the mid-weighted palate. Textured oak and fine-grained tannin give a nod to the fact that this wine will age gracefully for a decade or more. A stunning benchmark.

Central Otago Pinot's are generally more user-friendly than Burgundy; Rabbit Ranch is very soft fruit-forward style with soft tannins; best enjoyed young.

Dog Point is responsible for some of Marlborough's best Pinot noir. This release has lifted aromas of dark cherries stone fruit and violets. The palate is rich and complex with a supple velvety texture.

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.

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.