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.

Vibrant, crisp green apple, pear and peach flavours are accented by notes of lemon zest, toasted biscuit, honeycomb and dried white flowers. Finishes with a refreshing jolt of acidity. Drink now

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.

On the nose you are greeted by an appealing melange of powdered ginger, yellow rose petal, jasmine and freshly cut apple. The palate is crisp yet textural, with a core of juicy nashi pear and pink lady apple. A gentle whisp of tannin mid palate leads on to a fresh, satisfyingly dry finish. Crossbreed is our way of blurring the lines between traditionally accepted blends and varietal expressions. By co-fermenting on skins, we have sought to create a deliciously textural wine with intriguing aromatics and a light blush of colour.

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.

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.

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.

Named for the compacted blue-grey mudstone that holds tight to the roots of our mature vines, Vavasour Papa Pinot Noir is made from small parcels on our upper terraces. These established vines reward us with a generous palate of dark cherry, plum and violets. A savoury complexity and silky smooth finish speaks clearly of this most singular place.

Hawkshead was the first home in New Zealand of Denis Marshall’s ancestor, naturalist William Swainson, Fellow of the Royal Society, who arrived to make his home here in 1841. Denis Marshall & Ulrike Kurenbach dedicate their wines to all those who have made this beautiful country their home. Grapes are hand-picked, de-stemmed and matured in French oak barrels. Minimal intervention in the winery and sustainable wine growing are our principles.

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.