If you are in Central Otago this summer, be sure to pick up a
wine map and visit a few wineries. It's interesting to
compare the dark cherry flavours of Cromwell and Bannockburn
pinot noir with the the floral ones from Gibbston and the
mineral ones from Alexandra.
BEST VALUE
Terra Sancta Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2011
$35
Four stars (out of five)
Good Value
A lively, textural wine with black cherry fruit and hints of
dark chocolate and spicy oak, this has firm, dusty tannins
but a fresh finish. It's drinking nicely now but will develop
with another year or two's bottle age.
www.terrasancta.co.nz
Pisa Moorings Pinot Noir 2008
$32
Three and a half stars
Average value
At four years old this has developed into a rich, fragrant
wine with a lush, velvety texture, soft fruit suggesting
cherries and strawberries supported by spicy, toasty oak, and
finishing with a fresh lingering aftertaste. Drinking nicely
now.
www.pisamooringswine.co.nz
Ellero Pisa Terrace Pinot Noir 2010
$39
Four Stars
Good value
Lush, seductively sweet, juicy cherry and red berry fruit
supported by toasty, spicy oak with suggestions of dark
chocolate cushion the firm underlying tannin structure in
this powerful, concentrated wine. Another few years bottle
age, or at least some decanting will help it integrate.
www.ellerowine.co.nz
Staete Landt Map Maker Marlborough Pinot Noir 2010
$25
Three stars
Average value
Spicy plums with a hint of toasted oak and a lively edge make
this simple Marlborough wine attractive and easy to
drink.
www.staetelandt.co.nz
Gibbston Highgate Estate Soul Taker Reserve Pinot Noir
2011
$30
Three and a half stars
Average value
This is a light pinot with hints of rhubarb, raspberries and
pepper, a velvety texture, a bright, crisp finish and a
lingering aftertaste.
www.gibbstonhighgate.co.nz
Julicher Martinborough Pinot Noir 2010
$42
Four stars
Average value
With savoury aromas typical of Martinborough pinot, this is
soft and rich in the mouth with nicely integrated fruit, a
hint of licorice and toasty oak and a bright, lively finish.
www.julicher.co.nz
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