Martinborough is considered by many as the home of Pinot Noir - not only in New Zealand but the 'New World' in general. It is hard to argue when wines like this are produced. Pinot Noir superstar, Larry McKenna, hand-crafts a wine that is overflowing with perfumed black, red and green fruit flavours that are all in harmony with the mid-weighted palate. Textured oak and fine-grained tannin give a nod to the fact that this wine will age gracefully for a decade or more. A stunning benchmark.

Intense berry and red cherry aromas vibrant lend themselves to the palate of dark berry and cherry with subtle hints of dry herbs and silky soft graceful tannins.

Tasmania's east coast is Pinot territory and Spring Vale one of its best exponents; plum, bramble and lavender aromas, plush palate and silky tannins make this a standout.

The South Island of New Zealand is home to some of the worlds greatest new world Pinot Noir's and Central Otago can claim a large proportion of these. This superb Otago Pinot from South Island is an exotic light bodied red with wild fruit flavours of strawberry and ripe cherry and proves you don't have to break the bank to get great Otago Pinot Noir.

Oakdene Petas Pinot Noir is garnet in colour, with an intense bouquet of cherry, spice, mocha and smoked meats, leading to sweet cherry, briar and hints of clove. The mid palate offers earthy cherry, plum notes, and some spice and whole bunch characters, firm tannins and a long finish. 15% whole bunches, wild yeast and matured in French oak puncheons (30% new) for 11 months bottled without fining and light filtration. Enjoy now or cellar for 5 to 9 years.

Logan hails from the Mudgee region in southern New South Wales, although the Weemala Pinot Noir is from their Orange vineyards, located towards their south west. Showing brilliant red hues and cherry aromas followed by strawberry and thyme flavours with a great earthy finish.

Lightfoot & Sons Pinot Noir gives lifted floral aromas and bright red cherry fruit which make this an immediately appealing wine. The whole bunch ferments bring cherry and plum fruit characters to the fore of the palate and contrast with the French oak, tannins and savoury elements. This is a classic Gippsland Pinot Noir, it has texture, bright clean fruit and great balance.

A great example of Tasmanian Pinot Noir, there is an exciting nose bursting with cherries. The palate is medium bodied and elegant, just as it should be.

Red fruit aromas in the red cherry and redcurrant spectrum carry through onto the palate.

Marlborough isn't only capable of producing Sauvignon Blanc, some fine examples of Pinot Noir are coming our too. None better than this excellent wine from Delta Vineyards. Extremely fragrant on the nose and packed with squeezed forest berries, oak, spice, and some herbal, thyme-like notes. The palate displays vibrant red fruit flavours balanced by silky, fine tannins.