Sometimes cheaper pinot noir can be a tad acidic for pleasant drinking but serving it at about 18degC or eating something savoury with it can ameliorate the sharp, sometimes lean or unripe edge.
BEST VALUE
$20
Three and a half stars (out of five)
Good value
A simple but charming wine with hints of plums, raspberries, dried herbs, mineral, suggestions of spice and savouriness, and a crisp finish.
wildsouthwines.co.nz
$20
Three stars
Average value
With a fresh peppery edge and a suggestion of herbaceousness, this is a light simple wine with a hint of unripeness in its crisp finish.
hahawine.com
$20
Three stars
Average value
A simple wine with hints of stewed plums, a suggestion of spicy, savoury undertones and dusty tannins.
$42
Four stars
Average value
A big, concentrated wine with suggestions of spice, mineral, ripe dark and red fruits, a lot of supportive oak and firm, oaky tannins, it has great depth of flavour if, perhaps, a lack charm at this stage. It will integrate and mellow with further bottle age.
$45
Four and a half stars
Good value
Lively red and dark fruit, with a hint of creamy nuttiness and spice. Lovely balance and length. A delicious, harmonious wine that will develop with bottle age.
$45
Four and a half stars
Good value
Spicy with hints of cedar chest, dark and red fruits, a lively nuance of herbs, a velvety texture, dense, concentrated and harmonious, with supple tannins and nicely balanced finish.
ANOTHER GLASS
Hawkshead Central Otago Pinot Noir 2012
$37
Three and a half stars
Below average value
With soft, spicy red fruits, savoury undertones and dusty tannins, this lightish wine is nicely integrated with a crisp, but balanced finish. A blend of Bendigo and Gibbston fruit.
Forrest Marlborough Pinot Noir 2012
$28
Three stars
Below average value
Perfumed and peppery with a lively edge, simple fruit with a hint of greenness and a crisp finish.
