There's a lot of pinot noir produced in New Zealand and most of it is highly priced, so it's a thrill to find Te Kairanga's new release so delicious and affordable.
Although wine sent for review is tasted blind to eliminate preconceptions, all wine tasting and evaluation is subjective.
These are personal recommendations.
Te Kairanga Martinborough Pinot Noir 2009
$21
A textural wine with red fruits, underlying savoury notes, a hint of toasty oak and a silky charm make this new release an attractive wine.
Excellent value.
4 stars (out of 5)
Good value
$33
A hint of pepper and exotic spices, plums and herbs, with concentrated red fruit and a crisp lift on the finish.
More bottle age will soften this wine.
3 stars (out of 5)
Below average value
$33
Stylish aromas with Saint Clair's characteristic toasty oak, dark spicy fruit and savoury undertones with hints of dark chocolate and an attractive balance.
3 stars (out of 5)
Below average value
$44
Fragrant and spicy with red fruit and an underlying savoury, earthy flavour supported by oak and a crisp finish.
3 stars (out of 5)
Below average value
$75
Complex, harmonious and silky with red fruits and spice, underlying savoury, nutty flavours, deep and persistent, but with a lifted, tingly finish.
The first release of this super-premium wine is one of the finer Marlborough pinots.
4 stars (out of 5)
Below average value
$50
Always a classy wine, this vintage hints of roasted coffee, toasty, spicy oak and and savoury red fruits.
This is textural and concentrated but also harmonious.
4 stars (out of 5)
Below average value
