Mt Difficulty is one of Central Otago's oldest and most prestigious vineyards. Having tamed the rugged region since 1992, Mt Difficulty produce wines of utmost character and charm. Their Roaring Meg Pinot Noir shows lovely perfumed blackberry and dark cherry fruits along with a hint of spice. On the palate the wine has a sweet berry character along with balanced, ripe textural tannins that rise gracefully out of the mid-palate to finish the wine.

Brightly fruited and immediately appealing with sweet cherry, floral, clove and toasted almond notes, it's beautifully weighted and finely textured in the mouth offering juicy fruit flavours with spicy nuances. Splendidly balanced and elegantly flavoursome with a lengthy silky finish.

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.

Situated 45 degrees south and influenced by the striking mountains, rivers and lakes, Central Otago experiences all four seasons. This seasonal variability combined with low fertility free draining soils, provides the ideal “tension” required to grow outstanding Pinot Noir. For Mumm Central Otago Blanc De Noirs, 100% Pinot Noir grapes were hand harvested entirely from grower owned vineyards, located in differing sub-regions of Central Otago (45% Tarras, 27% Alexandra, and 22% Gibbston Valley). Grapes were whole bunch pressed extracting juice in the gentlest manner, preserving the fruit’s natural elegance. Parcels were fermented separately using natural wild fermentation or traditional Champagne yeast, in either seasoned French Oak cuves or stainless steel and left on ferment lees whilst undergoing full malolactic fermentation. The extended lees contact contributes to the aromatic complexity and the malolactic fermentation softens the acidity to add richness to the palate. Assemblage of the final blend consists of carefully selected components of Pinot Noir which show strength and intensity. A carefully selected amount of aged reserve wines were blended to add extra complexity, before secondary fermentation. The result is a cuvée that showcases the purity of aroma and flavour balanced by vibrant natural acidity, giving the wine brightness and elegance. • Gift Box pictured may not be available for all online orders.

There is no doubting the quality of Northern Tassie Pinot. This is a fine example from the Tamar Valley has elegance, length and varietal flavours of plum and cherry balanced by a touch of oak and light astringency.

Approachable, generous and flavoursome with a silken elegance. Berry fruits come to the fore with gentle dried herb notes in the background. Medium bodied, the palate is finely structured with lovely soft lingering tannins which integrate perfectly with the soft supportive acid and plush fruit.

You are greeted on the nose with suggestions of bramble and spice, gradually opening up to reveal red and black berry fruits, spice, leather and subtle floral notes.The palate is soft and supple, with cranberries and sweet red berry fruits upon entry. Fine silky tannins entwine a concentrated core of juicy black cherries, dark berry fruits, dried herbs and cocoa before trailing off to a long even finish.

The Main Divide Pinot Noir shows aromas and flavours of cherries and red berry fruits with impressions of raspberries, mulberries and blackberries. There are also savoury hints of grilled mushrooms, black olives and roast game. Ripe fine grained tannins give it structure and length, but these are covered with a velvety robe, leaving impressions of dark chocolate and spice. While drinking beautifully now, it will continue to develop over the next few years in bottle.

This Pinot noir is the flagship from Two Paddocks an organically grown barrel selection from the estate properties. As in the vineyard, the wine is hand crafted using traditional methods including a 25% whole bunch indigenous fermentation and hand plunging. Maturation is in French barriques for 11 months, using a mix of older and new (25%) barrels.

Quartz Reef Pinot Gris exhibits flavours of ripe pear, peach and marzipan with a rich texture and an off-dry mineral finish. Colour is lemon gold. Aroma is nutmeg, honey, ginger and white peach. The palate is rich and textural with a delicious fine acidity. Cellaring is 3-5 years.

Yabby Lake's 'no expense spared' approach to viticulture and winemaking, is amply demonstrated in this super Pinot; fresh and fruity with secondary nuances, will please all Pinot lovers on a budget.