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:

This elegant wine has been made using premium parcels of grapes from select vineyards in Central Otago and exhibits lovely, exotic and wild fruit flavours. A soft, lingering taste provides a delicate finish.

It’s this trade-off of acid for tannin that makes pinot noir so food friendly. Pinot works well with salmon and ocean trout, their (Omega 3-rich) oiliness lapped up by pinots exuberant acidity and is the perfect red with soft brie-style and washed-rind cheeses, coming into its own with blue cheese. Try a soft Saint Augur cheese from the Auvergne with the Celsius Pinot Noir for a new flavour sensation.

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.

Terra Sancta Estate Pinot Noir is a bright crimson-red hued wine. The fragrant bouquet is perfumed with lavender and thyme, while the dense and lively palate is rife with flavours of plums, dark cherries and fresh raspberries, ultimately leading to a long, silky and delicate climax. Crafted to relish upon release, this delightful Pinot Noir can also be cellared for about 10 years. Drink this aromatic red wine with slow roast pork belly and roast turkey.

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.

Grove Mill Pinot Noir is rich ruby red in colour, with a nose full of dark cherry and boysenberry and a touch of spice. A savoury complexity and a smooth finish make it the perfect match for barbequed meat with a roast beetroot salad.

The enticing Mysterious Diggings Pinot Noir shows a bright purple-red hue, and offers scintillating aromas as well as juicy flavours of red cherries. These flavours and aromas integrate with fresh and clean fruit characters on the dense palate, to provide a soft texture, as well as a long and enticing finale. With a cellaring potential of 1 to 6 years, this delicious red wine tastes amazing with mushrooms, fruit-based sauces and roasted chicken.