If you are eager to scratch the "Central" itch you may find success with a number of these "value" or "entry level" offerings, often made in larger volumes which makes them more accessible to the supers and larger liquor store chains, while their price points make them very affordable options for restaurants. Moreover, they’re made to be drinkable in their youth which is absolutely what’s going to happen when you’re on the road. Enjoy!
2022 Ted by Mount Edward Central Otago Pinot Noir
Rating Excellent
There’s an element
of wildness initially,
forest floor, earthy
touches shifting to
wisps of oak spices
and perfume. Nice
volume in the
mouth, accentuating
raspberry and red
berryfruits. There’s a
bright juiciness to
this, flowing to good
tannic grip on the
dry finish. More
serious than many
at its price and
rather engaging.
2022 Gibbston Valley Gold River Central Otago Pinot Noir
Rating Very Good to Excellent
Bright fruit to the fore,
hints of wood smoke
and spice in addition.
Nice balance and
integration, good fruit
weight and it’s all
about the sheer
drinkability. Flows
nicely across the
palate, garnering an
appealing vibrancy as
it opens up. True to
its Central Otago
origins and very
much in the slot to
enjoy now.
2022 Misha’s Vineyard Tempo Central Otago Pinot Noir
Rating Very Good to Excellent
Opens with earthy/
tilled earth-like
notes, a beguiling
perfume entering the
fray, mixed red and
darker fruits. Again
that melange of red
and dark fruits, fruit
sweetness building
as it takes on air.
Firm tannins come
into play now giving
some real, chewy
grip, while a
bittersweet touch
comes through
refreshing the finish.
2022 Main Divide by Pegasus Bay North Canterbury Pinot Noir
Rating Very Good to Excellent
Smoke and bonfire
embers, dusty,
darker fruits coming
though before a
delightful perfume
evolves. Vibrant.
Great fruit in the
mouth, neatly
balanced by some
tannic grip: this has
drinkability writ large
on it. A touch of
firmness develops
as it takes on air,
adding to the food-
friendliness.
2023 Rua Central Otago Pinot Noir
Rating Excellent
Youthful fruit
drivesthe nose —
cherry, spices, a
touch of nuttiness,
fragrance building, a
wee touch of oak
char, feels fresh and
vibrant. Generous in
the mouth, lovely ripe
fruit, savoury notes
adding to the whole,
good length. A lovely
sense of tension to
this, fleshing out
while also showing
more tannic grip with
aeration. Well done at
this price point.
2024 Mora Laeto Central Otago Pinot Noir
Rating Very Good to Excellent
Nuts and cocoa nib,
dustiness, raspberry
hints. Tasted blind,
this has a different
mouthfeel to wines
tried alongside it,
sweetly fruited,
raspberry drops,
cashew nut, good
flavour depth with a
nice touch of
chewiness on the
close. That fruit
sweetness could
translate well to
being drunk on the
cooler side.
