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.

Scotchman's Hill's second label often throws up some terrific value for money. A beautiful spicy nose with cinnamon and clove elements, supported by cherry flavours and grippy tannins.

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 is a great value for money Pinot! 6ft6 has lovely aromas of cherries raspberries and a hint of white pepper on the nose. The palate is brimming with bright lively fruit and the balance is impeccable.

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.

Ninth Island Pinot Noir is a sensational cool-climate Pinot Noir from the makers of Piper's Brook. Tasmania is now recognised as a world class Pinot region and with wines of this quality one can see why!

Te Kairanga Estate Pinot Noir delivers outstanding varietal character. The nose has cherry fruit with some earthy forest floor aromas and the palate offers lovely mouthfeel delicate strawberry flavours and fresh acidity.

The team at Oakridge are going from strength to strength these days and they are taking the Over The Shoulder range with them. Dry maraschino cherry and gently gamey yet clean mouthful of delicious Pinot! Really great finishing length for this sort of price!