Rich lilac and buddleia scents fill the nostrils. In the mouth a dense core of dark fruit radiates spiced plum …

From the very warm 2013 vintage, this wine is both delicate and insistent. It is charmingly fragrant, with floral and …

This is a compelling wine. “It hits the top of your nose with more than the usual suspects,” noted Ben …

They know how to strike gold at Aurum. This delightful pinot fits comfortably into the Central Otago “new breed” category. …

This wine leads with texture rather than flavour,” said John Belsham. Gibbston-grown, it has a fleshy yet layered mouthfeel that …

There is still plenty of youthful bounce and sweet fruit in this 2013. It’s a big number, well-stocked with vivid, …

John Belsham admired the “lovely pure florals” and Ben Glover praised the “red leaf notes and vibrancy”. Winemaker Clive Jones …

Older vines and recent conversion to biodynamics have seen Quartz Reef pinots achieve new levels of elegance. A dark, muscular …

It wouldn’t be a Cuisine pinot noir tasting without a Rockburn, a winery with a great success record over an …

A distinctive expression from a distinctive vineyard, planted by Oregon pioneer Gary Andrus nearly 20 years ago. Dark floral scents …

The experience and craft of Grant Taylor can be seen in this accomplished wine. The fruit is gorgeous – ripe, …

The Craft Series range is the new high-end project of experienced Marlborough wine man Brent Marris (Marisco). Fruit density is …

There is a still, dark softness to this handsome wine. It is built around a seductive core of dark fruit …

There’s plenty here to please lovers of the big, dark, voluptuous Central Otago style. You’re greeted with a salvo of …

“Irreverent and hedonistic,” says the marketing blurb. “Fleshy and spicy,” said panel chair John Belsham. This wine was grown on …

You’re getting great value for money here. Floral scents mingle with a hint of damp straw that is very Martinborough. …

Another quality drop from this well established, accomplished Bannockburn winery. Attractive floral and spice scents presage a vibrant mouthful with …

There’s something about Gibbston pinot… and Grant Taylor knows how to make it truly sing. This wine is gorgeously fragrant, …

A comforting, crowd-pleasing style, this pinot is proudly Alexandra-grown. It has a flush of dark ripeness, offering dark berry and …

Into its 101st year, this proud Kiwi company continues to produce terrific wines. This new release radiates brightness, with rich, …

Grown on a well-established site on Bannockburn’s Cairnmuir Road, this wine has the boisterous fruit we’ve come to expect. Red …

Grown at the Terrace Vineyard site in Marlborough’s southern valleys, this wine has plenty of coltish exuberance. It delivers dark …

This wine is in a subtle, refined mode. The red and dark fruit notes do not immediately jump out of …

Eon of Bendigo is all about ‘pinot passion’ – taking a select parcel of Bendigo-grown fruit and giving it a …

Smartly priced and smartly presented. This is a vibrant pinot, offering a broad spectrum of flavour (including an appealing savoury …

Yet another wine the panel would like to retaste in a year or so. The effusive sweet fruit is full …

Soon to move into a new purpose-built winery, Jackson Estate is on a roll. This rendition has all the hallmarks …

The pioneer himself, winery co-founder (with his wife Barbara) Ross Lawson, would have been proud of this pinot.  It’s evolving …

A leveret is a young hare, of which there are a few inhabiting the Awatere Valley vineyard that is this …

The only Hawke’s Bay-grown wine among our top placegetters. It is big, a little unkempt and full of personality. Dark …

This wine represents Marlborough stalwart Mount Riley’s first venture into Central Otago. It’s a great debut, made from 100% Gibbston …

In wine, the ‘Halo’ effect is all about drinkability. The latest pinot from this popular range is brimming with dense, …

Approachable and bright, this is a delightful pinot from the talented team at Saint Clair.  Red cherry and blood orange …

Why Havana? ‘Reflective of a city with infectious energy’ is the official explanation. Grown in the Yarrum vineyard and made …

Pinot maestro Grant Taylor blends fruit from three Central Otago sub-regions to make this lilac-scented, fruit-forward pinot. A soft-textured flow …

Lifted, enticing floral scents offer a seductive introduction. In the mouth, this Bannockburn-grown wine is a still pool of dark …

Runholder is Te Kairanga’s middle range, and is made only using quality, estate-grown fruit. This wine has real energy and …

This is a charming expression. Delicate florals and spice scents usher in a lively, red-fruit dominant palate. It is fine-boned …

Freshness is something every wine should offer. This value-for-money expression has it in abundance. It’s a bright juicy style, well-defined …

This is a big, rollicking ride of a pinot. Dark fruit aromas set the scene. In the mouth, it is …

Awatere Valley pinots have a lift and verve that is distinctive. Fragrant, vivid, with plenty of tight fruit power and …

Spiced blueberry pie registers big in this wine’s aroma department. In the mouth, there’s a big serving of soft dark …

Proudly grown on the northern side of the Wairau Valley, this is a fresh, vibrant expression. Red cherry and orange …

This boutique winery in the Alexandra sub-region has been quietly producing some very smart wines. This pinot has lovely length …

This Wild Earth release is up there in quality with its multi-award winning predecessors. It is subtly but beautifully perfumed. …

2012 was a good year for Central Otago pinot, and here is a fine example. Earthy, toasty characters frolic across …