Pinot noirs from Marlborough and Wairarapa can offer good value and different characters from the dark cherry and spice typical of Central Otago.
BEST VALUE
three and a half stars (out of five)
good value
From Stoneleigh's new Latitude series, this is attractive with hints of beeswax, juicy fruit and savoury undertones supported by spicy oak and a crisp, slightly edgy finish.
three stars (out of five)
average value
A lighter wine with hints of plums, a savoury undertone and a crisp, edgy finish. A few more months bottle age may see it soften.
four stars (out of five)
below average value
Perfumed with spicy fruit, hints of new leather and cigar box, and mineral, dark, savoury undertones and lots of oak underpinning the fruit, this is textural and harmonious, An elegant,stylish wine for connoisseurs.
three and a half stars (out of five)
average value
Perfumed and peppery with red fruits, mineral, supported by toasty oak with a hint of char,and a long, finish.
four stars (out of five)
average value
With lively red fruits, a hint of mineral, layers of flavour, and a long, dry finish, this is elegant, charming and harmonious. It is drinking nicely now and will benefit from bottle age.
four and a half stars (out of five)
average value
Perfumed and velvety, yet powerful, concentrated and and complex, the sweet fruit in this wine is seasoned with hints of spice and dried herbs. It's beautifully balanced and harmonious with firm but unobtrusive tannins and a long, textural finish. Will develop with bottle age.
