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.

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:

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.

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.

Rapaura Springs have turned plenty of heads with their current releases - the Reserve Pinot Noir is little short of jaw dropping. Drinking beautifully now expect a nose that's ripe, plush and jammed full of seductive fruit and spice smells, while textbook silky mouth-feel leads to a long fine finish. Drink it with five spice duck and rice.

This exceptional Pinot Gris from Amisfield shows pronounced aromatics of roasting quince, bees wax and orange blossom. The palate is broad, complex, rich and textured while remaining elegant, with a dry finish.

Lake Hayes wines by Amisfield are made in an early drinking style with a fresh, fruity appeal. Aromas of pear, quince and lifted floral notes with a hint of spice. The palate is lively with white flesh stone fruit characters balanced with just a hint of residual sugar.

This delightful Mysterious Diggings Pinot Gris features a pale yellow colour with green tinges throughout. The fragrant bouquet offers enticing floral aromas which gives way to a lush and intense palate filled with juicy fruit flavours and subtle spicy notes. These flavours and aromas are balanced by a sharp mineral acidity, altogether leading to a clean, dry and lingering finish. This wonderful Pinot Gris has the potential to be cellared for 3 to 5 years from vintage, tasting great with fresh vegetables, pastas, fish and light salads.

Dark cherry, violet and cinnamon spice aromas complement red fruit, chocolate and subtle spice flavours on the palate. The fruit flavours are framed with supple tannins and a core of juicy acidity. This wine is immediately enjoyable but will continue to drink well for the next eight years if you can wait that long.