Ata Rangi’s Kotinga Pinot Noir received its inaugural release with the 2020 vintage. The vineyard, established in 2001 on the edge of the Martinborough terrace, is a free-draining site planted to Dijon clones 115, 667, and 777. Kotinga is a high-energy wine that’s made to show off its bright fruits—cherry, currant, plum—supple tannins, and sleek, fluid acidity. Kotinga is fermented with indigenous yeasts and 40% whole bunches. After two to three weeks in tank, the wine is pressed, and malolactic fermentation is completed in oak. For 11 months, Kotinga is aged in very large 2280 litre foudre, rather than small barriques, to preserve the naturally bright character of Dijon clone pinot noir grown in gravelly soil.

Houghton Cabernet Sauvignon from the Stripe series of wines has loads of cassis and dark plum flavours that are perfectly balanced with hints of cigar box, soft tannins and a touch of oak. A true WA Cabernet for a fantastic price!

Felton Road is responsible for putting Central Otago on the world Pinot Noir map. Producing some of the new world's greatest Pinot's, the winery's Block 5 is no exception to the richly textured, polished style. Full of fine dark tannin and subtle hints of spice, the fruit somewhat takes a back sit into the darkness. A few years in the cellar will no doubt open this beautiful wine up.

Pegasus Bay have about a dozen different clones of Pinot Noir. With their original plantings, these grow intermingled throughout the various blocks. The vines, many of which are nearly 30 years old and on their own roots, grow on a series of north facing, gradually descending terraces. Traditional Burgundian winemaking methods are used. Bright ruby colour. Its generous aromas and flavours dark cherries, blackberries, raspberries and mulberries, suffused with chocolate mocha and spice. There is an underlying savoury character, suggesting grilled meats and mushrooms with a hint of black olive tapenade. It is seductively light on entry but rapidly expands on the palate to become rich and mouth filling, while retaining elegance and poise. Silky tannins help draw out its lingering aftertaste.

An intriguing aromatic mix of warm spices, dried herbs, dark red rose petals and dusty cherries. Craggy Range Aroha Pinot Noir is complex and well integrated with fine oak and tannins, which provides the structural backbone.

Named after Nick Glaetzer's mother Judith. Single vineyard Pinot Noir, aged in 100% new French oak. Incredible length and concentration, like no other Tasmanian Pinot Noir. Only 580 bottles made.

Although this Pinot noir's deep purple colour is not necessarily an indication of quality, its intensity is a magnificent and seductive feature. The usual Dry River aromas of Christmas spice, pipe tobacco and plum are all in attendance. Initially this wine seems savoury, dark and brooding but elegant red berry and raspberry characters are not to be missed. This tension between dark and light, spice and fruit, opulence and restraint is a result of the blend of the three vineyards, Dry River, Craighall and Lovat with all three contributing their specific vineyard characteristics to the final wine. The juicy, sappy and dense fruit fills out the palate providing a full and fleshy mouth-feel. The acidity provides focus and a thoroughfare for the wine towards the back with a dapple of oak influence for support and additional complexity. While transparent tannins are no hindrance to the front palate, the soft nature of this wine is not to be misjudged.