There's such variety in pinot noir depending on where it comes from and how ripe the grapes are, how it is made and whether it is aged or not - the 6-year old wine in this tasting is drinking very well, but may not be to the taste of those who like big fruity numbers.
BEST VALUE
$30
Three and a half stars (out of five)
Good value
A mellowing, spicy wine with generous fruit suggesting plums and spruce, savoury undertones, a hint of creaminess and a lively edge.
Marisco.co.nz
$40
Four stars
Average value
Mellowed with charmingly generous fruit - cherries, blueberries - hints of cinnamon, chocolate and spice supported by nicely balanced oak, this is a complex wine, youthful but textural and harmonious with a long, lively finish and lingering aftertaste reminiscent of cherries and boysenberries.
greystonewines.co.nz
$45
Four stars
Average value
A mature wine, its pale colour belying the intensity of its mellowed fruit hinting of strawberry compote, savoury, spicy undertones, texture and a lively but harmonious finish and long aftertaste. It will continue to develop for several more years.
$25
Three stars
Average value
An early-drinking pinot noir with sweet, spicy red fruits, a lively edge and a savoury hint of compost; a simple, pleasant wine.
gladstonevineyard.co.nz
$35
Three and a half stars
Average value
Oozing sweet fruit - raspberries and cherries with a hint of cinnamon and mineral and lots of oak - this is a bold, showy, concentrated wine.
mudhouse.co.nz
$28
Three stars
Average value
A bright young wine with suggestions of red fruits and spice and a herbal edge with a lively acidity; a wine to wake you up rather than encouraging you to settle into a comfortable chair.
tohuwines.co.nz
ANOTHER GLASS
Aronui Nelson Pinot Noir 2012
$28
Three stars (out of five)
Average value
With hints of herbs, cherryplums and redcurrants and a lively mineral edge, this is a simple,
fresh wine.
aronuiwines.co.nz
Gladstone Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2013
$39
Four stars (out of five)
average value
Aromas suggesting new leather and spicy oak introduce the generous fruit _ cherries, plums
and dark berries enlivened by a bright textural edge supported by oak and finishing with a
lively sweetness on the aftertaste. A complex wine that will develop with 3-5 years.
gladstonevineyard.co.nz
Gladstone Vineyard 2013 PN.JPG
Pegasus Bay Prima Donna Waipara Pinot Noir 2011
$85
Four and a half stars out of five
Average value
A mature, complex wine, with hints of red cherries and strawberry compote, spicy oak, savoury
undertones, silky texture and power, all nicely mellowed and integrated. Its light colour belies
its weight, power and length. Drinking well now, but will continue to develop for several more
years.
pegasusbay.com
Pegasus Bay 2012 Prima Donn.JPG
