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.

Stonier are the pioneers of the premium region that is the Mornington Peninsula. This outstanding Pinot Noir displays pure elegance and complexity. Dark cherry fruit flavours are balanced by gamey undertones and a savoury finish.

This 20ha vineyard was planted on red clay loam soil at Woori Yallock in 2001 by Lou Primavera, with whom Giant Steps has a long-standing grape-supply relationship. Pinot Noir (114, MV6 and G8V3 clones) grown here on the north and north east facing slopes at 230m is noted for its complex structure and pronounced perfume. The 114 and MV6 are fermented as whole bunches in open vats, while the G8V3 is destemmed, given a long cold-soak and fermented separately to enhance its aromatic contribution. All ferments use indigenous yeasts and the whole-bunch components are periodically foot-stomped to release additional juice. The wines are pressed to 228 litre, French barriques (about 8% new) for 11 months before blending and bottling without fining or filtration.

Central Otago is regarded as the best for NZ Pinot Noir. Ripe bouquet of satsumas, plum & meat. Firm soft tannins.

2014 is the inaugural release of Colleens Paddock Pinot Noir. It features a restrained, brooding and beguiling nose with hints of cranberry, sour cherry, wild raspberry, earth, stalks and charry oak. The aristocratic palate weaves an uncommon melange of toffee fruits, herbal flavours and savoury elements through fine, integrated tannins and delivers an elegant, luscious, velvety mouth feel. It combines lightness with richness and density with great length and persistence of flavour.

DOMAINE MICHELE & PATRICE RION Vielles Vignes, Chambolle-Musigny

Domaine Henri Magnien Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes The Vieilles Vignes, or old vines, are from those mich sought-after 70 to 100-year-old vines from which the Massal Selection cuttings, named Pinot Magnien, are taken. Expect a juicy, generous Gevrey-Chambertin Villages rogue showing ripe red fruit, great balance, a medium-body and a lengthy finish. All much like the younger Villages equivalent bottling. However, youll find more depth, complexity and concentration here as expected from an old vines selection. '...this is an exciting emerging domaine with which consumers are warmly advised to acquaint themselves'- Wine Advocate Shop Henri Magnien >

Domaine Lamy-Pillot Blanches Fleurs, Beaune Domaine Lamy-Pillot is a small family-run winery, established in 1973, which counts as relatively youthful for the region. The wines of Lamy-Pillot are consistent and drinkable in the very best sense. The Blanches-Fleurs is a joyful, fruit-forward Pinot Noir, best enjoyed in its youth. Bright and lively on the nose, with notes of luscious red cherry, raspberry, and a shower of white floral (thus Blanches Fleurs). On the palate, you will taste those vibrant fruits again, with honeyed tones, light spice, and soft tannins.