New Zealand is awash with pinot noir these days but, unfortunately, most of it is expensive.
Besides visiting vineyards, one of the best ways to explore the various pinot noirs on offer is to enjoy a glass at a restaurant or cafe.
Those with good wine lists will have selected one or two interesting pinots, perhaps a lesser-known label such as Black Quail ($35 ), Grasshopper Rock ($30 ), Wild Earth ($35 ) or Wooing Tree ($37).
Although wine sent for review is tasted blind to eliminate preconceptions, all wine-tasting and evaluation is subjective. These are personal recommendations. charmian.smith@odt.co.nz
Blind Trail Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007 ($25)
Attractive hints of sweet cherries and cherryplums with a crisp finish.
Lighter than some Central pinots, but with characteristic purity of fruit.
An enjoyable Central Otago pinot at a reasonable price.
3 stars (out of 5)
Average value
Aurum Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007 (about $29)
Oodles of ripe dark cherries, hints of spice and mocha from the toasty oak and a lively finish make this generous wine hugely attractive.
Typical Central Otago pinot at a reasonable price.
4 stars (out of 5)
Good value
Mount Rosa Central Otago Pinot Noir 2006 (about $31)
Aromas of freshly baked biscuits, generous sweet, juicy fruit well-supported by oak and a lively acidity make this charming wine delicious and elegant.
It got better and better over several days I had it open.
4 stars (out of 5)
Good value
Margrain Rivers Edge Martinborough Pinot Noir 2007 (about $27)
Plums and dried herbs with lots of spicy oak, a nutty, savoury hint and a creamy, bright finish.
3 stars (out of 5)
Average value
Wild South Reserve Marlborough Pinot Noir 2007 (about $29)
Fragrant with hints of ripe, dark cherry and spice, smoky oak with a suggestion of chocolate, and a lingering, textural aftertaste.
Drinking nicely now.
4 stars (out of 5)
Rockburn Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007 (about $39)
A lively, generous young wine dancing with intense bright fruit, spice and lots of oak, but well structured and powerful with a lingering sweetness on the aftertaste.
Will develop over the next year or two.
4 stars (out of 5)
Average value
