A charming red of full-flavour and great finesse. Bright ruby colour with an attractive delicately spiced red fruit perfume. In the glass this is silky, succulent, harmonious and very moreish. Roast duck anyone?

Nanny Goat Vineyard is the clear leader of the pack when it comes to affordable Central Otago Pinot Noir. Made in a fruit forward style with mounds of fresh berry fruit and intense lifted perfume notes of violet and blueberry. Still medium-bodied on the palate with soft, powdery tannin, this is a Pinot for the moment.

This expressive Pinot Noir from Eden Road displays intensity and lifted aromas of red cherries, currants and clovey spice. The palate is concentrated in bright red fruits, dark plum and warm spices, with good structured acidity, embedded in silky, plush tannins. All follows through with great length and richness in flavour.

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.

From the Yarra Valley comes this benchmark Pinot from one of the country's best regions for the variety. Sweet berry fruit and forest floor characters are balanced by depth and length of flavour.

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.

Taylors produce a surprise packet of a Pinot Noir at a very attractive price. Bright cherry colour complemented by a nose of strawberry and spice. Flavours of ripe cherries follow and lingers nicely on the palate.

Once again this producer provides us with a handy little number showing plenty of varietal and regional characteristics. Sticks Pinot Noir from Yarra Valley, features lovely red cherry flavours with playfull spices and charry oak influence. Lean with subtle tannins and medium finish.

This well crafted Pinot Noir presents red fruit aromas of raspberries and strawberries coupled with some rose and earthiness. The lush and medium bodied palate impresses you with its flavours of sweet fruit, fine tannins, balanced acidity and a satisfying finale. Age this wine in the cellar for 3 to 5 years for great complexity. Enjoy it with roasted chicken, salmon or pasta dishes.

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.