In this batch of Central Otago pinot noir, those from Alexandra - Grasshopper Rock, Perseverance and Barrington - with their red fruit and lively edge stood out from the darker-fruited, more brooding wines from the Cromwell basin. If you are visiting wineries there this summer, see if you can taste the differences.
BEST VALUE
$25
Three and a half stars (out of five)
Average value
A soft, spicy wine with red fruits, hints of tomato and mineral mellowed by an extra year's bottle age, and a bright, lively finish.
$28
Three and a half stars
Average value
A crowd-pleaser, oozing soft, sweet fruit and dark berries, with hints of spicy oak, an underlying suggestion of mineral and a firm, textural backbone. Easy and delicious drinking.
$30
Three and a half stars
Below average value
Attractive, lively red fruits with a hint of mineral and a savoury undertone, this is a fresh, lighter style with a crisp, dry finish. It will benefit from another year or so's bottle age.
$37.50
Four stars
Average value
A lively wine with spicy red fruits and herbs, suggestions of mineral and licorice, a savoury undertone, an exciting herbal edge and a fresh, crisp finish.
$38
Four stars
Average value
Ripe dark fruit with a hint of new leather and spicy oak, this is a powerful concentrated winewith dark undertones and a long, lively finish. With an extra year's bottle age it is drinking well now but will continue to develop for a few more years.
$55
Four and a half stars
Average value
A stylish wine with suggestions of mineral and red fruits, underlying spiciness, an impression of lightness and charm but also restrained power that give it harmony and balance. At three years old this is a beauty but will continue to develop for several more years.
ANOTHER GLASS
Mud House Claim 431 Vineyard Central Otago Pinot Noir 2012
$35
Four stars
Average value
Dense, velvety, oozing classic black cherries and spicy oak, with firm, fine-grained tannins in the background, concentrated, lively and harmonious. It will benefit from three or four yearsfurther bottle age.
