To get the best out of pinot noir, especially high-acid ones, serve them at room temperature. Coax the aromas out by warming the glass in your hands and they can turn from lean and edgy to spicy and lively.
BEST VALUE
$20
Three and a half stars (out of five)
Good value
A lightish wine with hints of red and dark berry fruit with supporting spicy oak, a hint of mineral and herbs with dusty tannins and a lively edge. Available at Otago Farmers Market.
$30
Three and a half stars
Good value
From Alexandra, this is a light wine with lively fruit hinting of spicy redcurrants and mineral, and an attractive, long aftertaste.
weaverwines.co.nz
$30
Three stars
Average value
A light wine with attractive aromas, a hint of mineral and spicy red berries, underlying oak, and a lively finish. Made by Craig Lory and available at Birdlands Wine Bar in Oamaru.
facebook.com/pages/Birdlands-Wine-Co
$34
Four stars
Average value
A hint of pepper and spice, ripe raspberries and blackberries with underlying oak, this is a powerful wine with a lively, lingering finish.
bannockbrae.co.nz
$45
Four stars
Average value
From the close-planted vineyard at the Cromwell end of the Kawarau Gorge, this silky, complex wine is nicely integrated and harmonious with hints of spicy oak and suggestions of new leather, nicely balanced by generous red and dark berry fruit and finishing with fine-grained tannins.
georgetownvineyard.co.nz
$50
Four and a half stars
Average value
A lively young wine, rich with hints of spice, red and dark fruit, a suggestion of mineral, depth of flavour, charming and concentrated with a tingly fresh finish. Give it time to develop its potential.
rockburn.co.nz
ANOTHER GLASS
Judge Rock Central Otago Pinot Noir 2012
$35
Three and a half stars
Average value
A light aroma suggesting mineral and flowers, red fruits bolstered with spicy oak, a suggestion of savouriness, light in the mouth but with a lively, edgy finish.
judgerock.co.nz
