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:

New Zealand is proving to be a star performer when it comes to Pinot Noir. This is a fruit driven style exhibiting juicy cherry and strawberry fruit combined with subtle oak. The finish is smooth and soft.

Sourced from the renowned Ben Morven vineyard, the Pinot Noir fruit is of exceptional character. Beautifully perfumed, bursting with bright red cherry and wild raspberry aromas. Layers of ripe berries are complemented by fine silky tannins and subtle hints of chocolate and spice on the finish complete the wine.

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.

Oyster Bay Pinot Noir is surprisingly a serious complex Pinot. Intense cherry and gamey, earthy notes are enhanced with quality French oak and the finish is spicy savoury and long. Terrific value.

Marlborough Sounds Pinot Noir is packed with sweet, cherry flavour. Luscious & complex with smooth tannins & rose aroma, the fruity flavours in this Pinot Noir are expertly balanced by hints of spice & toasty oak.

Saddleback is the second label to Greg Hay's Peregrine and the Pinot Noir is made using fruit from the Gibbston and Cromwell Basin sub regions of Central Otago. Light, elegant with black cherry and plum fruit, held together by a fine tannin structure and refreshing acidity.

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.

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.